to alas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to alas" is not correct and not usable in written English.
"Alas" is an interjection that expresses sorrow or regret, and it does not typically follow the preposition "to." Example: "Alas, I cannot attend the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

O.K, another one, because I can't stop: "Procrastinators' enablers" is SNOOZE ALARMS, which anagrams hilariously — especially if you get up as early as I do — to ALAS, NO MORE Z'S.

The New York Times

Taken by surprise, I spring back – it has been a long time since I snogged anyone whom I wasn't married to – alas in doing so I stand on a doggy paw and it all kicks off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The book evokes a haunted world of unsung women — a dead wife, a jilted fiancée, an illegitimate daughter, a possible granddaughter and some seriously headstrong lesbians — and links them in an elaborate web of intrigue to, alas, a man, though one of little importance, named Ernest.

The New York Times - Books

Designed by the architect Sandra Freiye, who owns it with her husband, NOW (which stands for "Not Only White") also adds plenty of Colombian flavor, from the free lulo-fruit drink that greets guests to, alas, some service flaws that expose the country's high-end service sector that is almost but not quite ready for prime time.

The New York Times - Travel

There is a particular Twitter account (which for legal reasons we can't refer to or link to alas) which on May 8 posted a series of tweets which looked plausibly like a list of the super injunctions brought largely by celebrities which have got the press in a fever.

TechCrunch

In conclusion, the block of heme export due to Flvcr1a deletion promotes the expansion of the cytosolic heme pool, thus leading to ALAS inhibition and HO induction.

Gastroenterology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The last boat back to the mainland departs at 5 -- when it's time to return, alas, to your regularly scheduled vacation.

The New York Times

But here's a man who's a genuine thinker and to me, alas, came to politics almost as a philosopher would".

The New York Times - Magazine

But when the count arrives, he is attracted not to Elisetta but, alas, to the secretly married Carolina.

The New York Times - Arts

It is from among these that are found the ones either fleeing to Israel or alas, to Jihad training.

Huffington Post

I wish Mr. Elo's ballet had been one to remember; alas, the grant, worth $25,000, is off to a weak start.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "to alas" in your writing. It is grammatically incorrect and will likely confuse readers. Opt for alternatives like "unfortunately" or "sadly".

Common error

A common mistake is treating "alas" as a noun that can follow a preposition. "Alas" is an interjection expressing sorrow and should stand alone or begin a sentence. Avoid constructions like "to alas"; instead, use adverbs such as "unfortunately" or "sadly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to alas" functions incorrectly as it attempts to combine a preposition ("to") with an interjection ("alas"). Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically incorrect. "Alas" should stand alone to express sorrow or regret.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to alas" is grammatically incorrect because "alas" is an interjection that should not follow a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms this. While the intent is to express regret, it's best to use alternatives like "unfortunately" or "sadly". Although some examples exist in news and scientific contexts, the phrase remains uncommon and grammatically questionable. Using proper alternatives will improve the clarity and correctness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunately

Replaces "to alas" with a single adverb expressing regret.

sadly

Similar to "unfortunately" but emphasizes sadness.

regrettably

A more formal synonym for "unfortunately".

I regret to say

Expresses regret in a more explicit and formal manner.

it is a pity

Expresses a sense of loss or disappointment.

it's unfortunate

A more conversational way to express regret.

I'm sorry to say

Directly expresses sorrow or regret.

to my dismay

Highlights the speaker's disappointment.

alas, it is

Corrects the grammar while maintaining the interjection "alas".

it is regrettable

Similar to "regrettably" but in a sentence structure.

FAQs

Why is "to alas" considered grammatically incorrect?

"Alas" is an interjection, expressing sorrow or regret. Interjections don't typically follow prepositions like "to". Using "to alas" is a grammatical error; it's better to use adverbs like "unfortunately" or "sadly" instead.

What can I say instead of "to alas" to express regret?

Instead of "to alas", use adverbs or phrases such as "unfortunately", "sadly", "regrettably", or "I regret to say" to convey a similar sentiment of regret or sorrow.

Is there a situation where "to alas" would be correct?

No, there's no grammatically correct situation to use "to alas" in standard English. "Alas" functions as an interjection, expressing emotion and does not combine with prepositions in common usage.

How does using "alas" correctly impact my writing?

Using "alas" correctly, as a standalone interjection, adds a touch of formality and expressiveness to your writing. Avoid incorrect combinations like "to alas" to maintain grammatical accuracy and credibility. Using proper alternatives like "sadly" or "unfortunately" will improve clarity.