this is very unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "this is very unfortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express sympathy or regret for something that just happened, such as when a friend has received bad news. For example, "I'm so sorry to hear your family is selling the house—this is very unfortunate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This is very unfortunate.

The Economist

"After so much effort to take him alive, this is very unfortunate".

The New York Times

This is very unfortunate as this ideology is triumphing over India's natural national interests.

The New York Times

This is very unfortunate but makes a full U-turn on Greece unlikely.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We think this is very unfortunate, as acceptable ads are the only way to avoid more people choosing to install Adblock.

The Guardian - Tech

"This is very unfortunate for the elite," Valery D. Solovei, an historian at the Moscow State Institute for International Relations, said of the episode, which Mr. Ulyukayev has insisted was a "provocation," or setup.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This was very unfortunate".

BBC

"One car goes off, the truck comes out and the next car goes off and this was very unfortunate.

BBC

This was very unfortunate this happened.

Vice

The rush of daily practice leaves no time for this and that is very unfortunate.' (Respondent 44) However, some participants considered the feedback report of minor importance.

BMC Family Practice

The rush of daily practice leaves no time for this and that is very unfortunate.' (Respondent 44) 'It (the feedback report) shows the benefits of my efforts and indicates in what areas I should plan improvements.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is very unfortunate" to express sympathy or mild regret in formal and semi-formal settings. It acknowledges the negative situation without being overly emotional.

Common error

Avoid using "this is very unfortunate" in highly informal situations. Simpler phrases like "that's too bad" or "what a shame" are more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is very unfortunate" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a negative assessment of a situation or event. It serves to acknowledge and gently convey disappointment or regret, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is very unfortunate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express mild regret or disappointment, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an evaluative statement, suitable for neutral to professional contexts. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Science sources. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in casual conversations, where simpler expressions are more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "that's regrettable" or "it's a real shame" to vary your language while maintaining a similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's a pity

A simple and common way to express sadness or regret.

that's too bad

A common and slightly less formal way of expressing sympathy.

it's a real shame

Uses a more informal expression to convey disappointment.

it's disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment caused by the situation.

that's regrettable

A more formal and slightly detached way of expressing regret.

it's a matter of regret

Formal and emphasizes the feeling of regret.

that's disheartening

Focuses on the loss of morale or enthusiasm.

it's a cause for concern

Highlights the worrying aspect of the situation.

it's lamentable

A strong, formal expression of sorrow or regret.

that's a tough break

Informal, suggesting bad luck or unfairness.

FAQs

How can I use "this is very unfortunate" in a sentence?

You can use "this is very unfortunate" to express regret or disappointment about a situation. For example, "This is very unfortunate; we were hoping for a better outcome".

What are some alternatives to "this is very unfortunate"?

Some alternatives include "that is regrettable", "it's a real shame", or "that's disappointing" depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "this is very unfortunate"?

"This is very unfortunate" is appropriate in professional or formal settings where you want to express sympathy or mild regret without being overly emotional. Avoid using it in casual, informal conversations.

What's the difference between "this is very unfortunate" and "this is very sad"?

"This is very unfortunate" implies disappointment or regret about a situation, while "this is very sad" expresses a stronger emotional response of sorrow or grief. The choice depends on the specific context and the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey.