unfortunately so

USAGE SUMMARY

'unfortunately so' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express agreement with a disappointing fact. For example: Several people have been laid off due to the coronavirus crisis. Unfortunately so.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, so is conflict.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, so is the _________.

The New York Times

PH: Unfortunately so.

The Guardian - Film

Unfortunately so are we.

The Guardian - Film

Unfortunately so is losing".

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately so does concrete.

The Guardian - Travel

Unfortunately, so is he.

The Washington Post

Unfortunately, so is the traffic.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, so has knife crime.

Independent

Unfortunately, so did Chechen rebels.

The Economist

Unfortunately, so did bird flu.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfortunately so" to succinctly acknowledge an undesirable truth or outcome. It's particularly effective when responding to a statement or question confirming a negative situation.

Common error

While "unfortunately so" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound repetitive or less sophisticated. Opt for varied expressions like "regrettably", "sadly", or more specific descriptions of the unfortunate circumstance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunately so" functions as an adverbial phrase. It is used to express agreement with, or confirmation of, an unfortunate situation or statement. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a correct phrase to express this sentiment. Its function is to add a tone of resignation or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfortunately so" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that concisely expresses agreement or confirmation regarding an unfortunate situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to acknowledge negative circumstances with a tone of resignation or disappointment. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse, especially in formal writing, where varied expressions are preferred. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, but it can also appear in scientific and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettably so

Shares a similar sense of disappointment or regret, but emphasizes the feeling of regret more directly.

sadly so

Implies a sense of sorrow or sadness about the situation, adding an emotional layer.

unfortunately too

Adds a sense of addition or confirmation to an already unfortunate situation.

lamentably so

Emphasizes the mournful or deplorable nature of the situation, adding a stronger sense of negativity.

unhappily so

Focuses on the lack of happiness or contentment associated with the situation, emphasizing the unpleasantness.

disappointingly so

Directly expresses the feeling of disappointment associated with the situation, highlighting the unmet expectations.

unfortunately even

Implies that the unfortunate situation is surprising or unexpected, adding a sense of disbelief.

tragically so

Highlights the severity and catastrophic nature of the situation, focusing on the tragic aspect.

woefully so

Indicates a situation that is extremely unfortunate or deplorable, adding a sense of distress.

painfully so

Emphasizes the emotional or physical discomfort caused by the situation, focusing on the painful aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "unfortunately so" in a sentence?

You can use "unfortunately so" to express agreement with a disappointing fact. For example, if someone says "The project was delayed again," you might respond, "Unfortunately so."

What are some alternatives to "unfortunately so"?

You can use alternatives like "regrettably so", "sadly so", or "lamentably so" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "unfortunately so" in formal communication?

While grammatically correct, "unfortunately so" can sometimes sound informal or repetitive. In formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives or elaborating on the reason for the unfortunate situation.

What's the difference between "unfortunately so" and "unfortunately, yes"?

"Unfortunately so" is a more concise affirmation of an unfortunate situation, while "unfortunately, yes" directly answers a question confirming the unfortunate situation with added emphasis. The latter is a more direct response.