unfortunately true

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfortunately true" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is true, but it is also sad or unfortunate that it is true. For example: "It is unfortunately true that many people are struggling financially during the current pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Hard to believe, but, unfortunately, true.

The New Yorker

But, unfortunately, true meritocracies don't really exist.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is unfortunately true for engineering students of all disciplines.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The issue of mullets, however, is unfortunately true".

The Guardian - Sport

The same thing is unfortunately true of Ms. Tomalin's long-awaited book.

The New York Times - Books

It is unfortunately true that poverty drives thousands of children into the streets of Guatemala City.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

This unfortunately is true.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, the true colours of Benetton are now revealed".

The Guardian

"Unfortunately, my true game will probably show up soon".

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, conducting true bi-directional analysis is challenging and implications of incidence angles are elusive yet.

Engineering Structures

"Unfortunately the true couture client is a dying breed," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfortunately true" to express a blend of acknowledgment and disappointment, adding nuance to your statements.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunately true" in situations where simple affirmation suffices. Save it for scenarios where the unfortunate aspect genuinely warrants emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunately true" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying an adjective. It emphasizes that something is indeed the case, while simultaneously expressing regret or disappointment about that fact. Ludwig examples show how it's used to acknowledge unpleasant realities across different domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunately true" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to acknowledge a fact while simultaneously conveying a sense of regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it is best employed when the unfortunate aspect warrants emphasis. Related phrases, such as "sadly accurate", offer alternative ways to express this blend of acknowledgment and concern. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly dramatic contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sadly accurate

Emphasizes the accuracy of a statement that causes sadness.

regrettably correct

Highlights the correctness of something that is regrettable.

it's a pity but it's the truth

Expresses the unfortunate nature of a situation that is factual.

lamentably factual

Stresses the factual basis of something deserving lament.

alas, it's the reality

Uses "alas" to convey sorrow about a true state of affairs.

it's unfortunate but undeniable

Focuses on the undeniable nature of an unfortunate fact.

deplorably true

Indicates that something is true and worthy of condemnation.

it's a shame but it's valid

Acknowledges the validity of something that is also a shame.

tragically accurate

Highlights the accuracy of something with tragic implications.

woefully correct

Emphasizes the correctness of something that is woeful or distressing.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfortunately true" to express that something is, regrettably, a fact. For example, "It's "unfortunately true" that the budget cuts will affect our department".

What phrases can I use instead of "unfortunately true"?

Alternatives include "sadly accurate", "regrettably correct", or "it's a pity but it's the truth", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "Unfortunately, it is true" instead of "unfortunately true"?

Yes, "Unfortunately, it is true" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence. The phrase "unfortunately true" often adds a more concise and direct tone.

In what contexts is "unfortunately true" most appropriately used?

The phrase "unfortunately true" is best used in contexts where there is a sense of regret or disappointment associated with a particular fact. It's suitable for news reporting, academic discussions, and professional communications where conveying both truth and concern is relevant.