this is really sad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is really sad" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express feelings of sorrow or disappointment about a situation or event. Example: "After hearing the news about the closure of the local library, I couldn't help but think, this is really sad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

So this is really sad.

The New York Times

"I've known the governor for a long time, and this is really sad," said Mike Jacobs, a Democratic state senator.

The New York Times

"This is really sad," said Mohammad Uddin, the imam of Baitul Aman Islamic Center, Mr. Mohammad's mosque in the Bronx.

The New York Times

When I'm at a signing, I almost feel there needs to be a sticker on the book: "This is really sad".

The Guardian - Books

"This is really sad and tragic news, and it makes all the silly arguments with the rugby and football club very trivial and unimportant," said Nutty Nun.

The Guardian

'Watching this series, I just know how I felt at that moment and I can relate to that girl, which sounds kind of crazy, but I'm like, 'Oh my god, this is really sad.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Catherine Mitchell, professor of energy policy at Exeter University, told BBC News: "This legislation is really sad - in more than 20 years of studying energy I have never known so many people so horrified.

BBC

"It was more of a hateful, anti-Trump protest, which I think is really sad because this president has done so much for women.. . .

The Washington Post

The source continued, "Gigi is really sad about this, though, and in a way would like to work it out.

Huffington Post

"It is really sad to see this".

The New York Times

It is really sad.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is really sad" to express empathy or concern when responding to someone's misfortune or disappointment. It's a straightforward way to acknowledge their feelings.

Common error

While effective, "this is really sad" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "that's truly unfortunate" or "it's a crying shame" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is really sad" functions primarily as an expression of sympathy or acknowledgement of an unfortunate situation. It is commonly used in response to news or events that evoke feelings of sorrow, disappointment, or regret. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is really sad" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey empathy and acknowledge unfortunate situations. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions primarily to express sympathy and support. While its register leans towards neutral, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. Keep in mind the advice: use "this is really sad" to express empathy, but avoid overusing the phrase and consider synonyms like "that is truly unfortunate" or "it is quite regrettable" to provide a more engaging message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's truly unfortunate

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the situation, differing slightly in tone from sadness.

that's terribly disappointing

Focuses on the disappointment caused by the event, rather than general sadness.

it's a crying shame

An idiomatic expression indicating a regrettable situation, more emphatic than "this is really sad".

it's quite regrettable

A more formal way of expressing sadness or disappointment about a situation.

that's a cause for sorrow

Highlights the reason for feeling sorrow, making it slightly more specific.

it's deeply regrettable

Similar, but emphasizes the depth of regret.

it's a source of grief

Conveys a stronger sense of loss or sorrow.

that breaks my heart

Expresses a more emotional and personal reaction to the sadness.

that's heart-wrenching

Describes the situation as causing intense emotional pain.

it fills me with sorrow

Expresses the personal feeling of sorrow that stems from a situation

FAQs

What does "this is really sad" mean?

The phrase "this is really sad" expresses a feeling of sorrow or disappointment about a particular situation or event. It's a way of acknowledging something unfortunate.

When is it appropriate to use "this is really sad"?

It's appropriate to use "this is really sad" when you want to express sympathy or acknowledge an unfortunate situation. It's often used in response to someone sharing bad news.

What can I say instead of "this is really sad"?

You can use alternatives like "that is truly unfortunate", "that is terribly disappointing", or "it is quite regrettable" depending on the context.

Is "this is really sad" formal or informal?

"This is really sad" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives include "that is quite regrettable" or "it is deeply regrettable".