this sorry affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sorry affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation or event that is unfortunate, regrettable, or disappointing. Example: "The investigation into the scandal revealed the extent of this sorry affair, leaving many in the community disheartened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

This sorry affair brings two points to mind.

The Guardian - Money

The guiltiest parties in this sorry affair are the politicians.

The Guardian

STILL, there are glimmers of hope in this sorry affair.

The New York Times

But overall, Italy will come out of this sorry affair with its reputation badly tarnished.

The Economist

That may be the only heartening development so far in this sorry affair.

The Guardian - Opinion

He says ruefully that no other country had so many passports forged in this "sorry affair".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Mentions Weinberg's article in the Harvard Business Review in which he brings up the sorry affair.

The New Yorker

Clandestine meetings with likely candidates for Jol's job have also lent an air of intrigue to the sorry affair.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the most important takeaways from this whole sorry affair is that this isn't about one critic at an important media outlet writing a half-baked, badly argued, glibly condescending piece (again).

Huffington Post

How ridiculous is this whole sorry affair eh?" - Sean Boiling.

The Guardian - Sport

Your front-page article (HMRC knew of wrongdoing, but did not prosecute bank, 10 February) highlights the most shocking aspect of this whole sorry affair.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow the phrase with a brief explanation of the consequences or lessons learned from "this sorry affair".

Common error

Avoid using "this sorry affair" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic in everyday interactions. Opt for simpler language when communicating with friends and family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sorry affair" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It serves to identify a particular event or situation that is considered unfortunate or regrettable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this sorry affair" is a phrase used to describe an unfortunate or disappointing situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically sound and suitable for expressing disapproval or regret, especially in news, sports and business contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in very informal settings. Remember to use alternatives such as "this unfortunate incident" when a more neutral tone is required. Pay attention to authoritative sources and avoid overuse in casual conversation to maintain appropriate register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this unfortunate incident

Replaces "affair" with a more neutral term, focusing on a specific event.

this regrettable situation

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the circumstances.

this dismal episode

Uses a stronger adjective to highlight the negativity of the event.

this unpleasant business

Focuses on the troublesome nature of the matter.

this troubling matter

Highlights the concern and worry caused by the situation.

this lamentable occurrence

A more formal way to express sorrow over the event.

this distressing event

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the situation.

this scandalous situation

Highlights a situation that has caused a public outrage.

this embarrassing episode

Emphasizes the shame or awkwardness associated with the situation.

this ill-fated event

Focuses on the negative outcome or destiny of the event.

FAQs

What does the phrase "this sorry affair" mean?

The phrase "this sorry affair" refers to an event, situation, or series of events that are considered unfortunate, regrettable, or disappointing. It is used to express disapproval or sadness about something that has occurred.

What can I say instead of "this sorry affair"?

You can use alternatives like "this unfortunate incident", "this regrettable situation", or "this dismal episode" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "this sorry affair"?

The phrase "this sorry affair" is generally appropriate in news reports, formal discussions, and analytical writing where you need to express a negative judgment about a situation. It is less suitable for informal conversations.

How can I use "this sorry affair" in a sentence?

You can use "this sorry affair" to refer to a specific event, as in, "The investigation revealed the full extent of "this sorry affair", leading to significant reforms." It can also be used more generally to describe a situation, as in, "This sorry affair has damaged the company's reputation and eroded public trust."