utterly sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

'utterly sorry' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express a strong level of regret or remorse for a mistake or offense. Example: "I am utterly sorry for not getting back to you earlier. It was completely inexcusable of me and I apologize wholeheartedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I feel utterly sorry for all the chart shows," added Vivienne Pattison of Mediawatch UK, a group that campaigns for family values in the media.

BBC

"I'm very sorry, I'm utterly sorry," he said in a video statement, a stunning acknowledgement that the automaker had knowingly cheated its customers.  .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sorry sorry sorry.

The New Yorker

P.M.S.: Sorry, sorry, sorry!

The New Yorker

Sorry, sorry, sorry!

BBC

Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry.

HuffPost

The chapter about Elvis's doctor, the King's final hours and the strain he was under (sorry) is utterly priceless.

The Guardian - Books

What makes the whole sorry display so utterly mortifying is that we, the listeners, aren't just spectators.

Vice

Really, it is, because Mr. Bay's lax notions of coherence and plausibility — I'm sorry, I mean his utterly nonexistent notions of coherence and plausibility — are accompanied by a visual imagination that is at once crazily audacious and ruthlessly skillful.

The New York Times

But to watch John Slattery as Dwight D. Eisenhower bark at Mr. Cox's Churchill about not hosting Churchill's "amateur theatrics" because "there's a war on!" is to witness the sorry spectacle of an actor utterly defeated by his script.

The New York Times

"I am sorry a university employee so utterly betrayed the survivors' trust and everything for which MSU stands".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly sorry" to convey a strong and sincere sense of regret, especially when acknowledging a significant mistake or offense. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intensity matches the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly sorry" in minor or trivial situations, as it can come across as insincere or disproportionate. Save this phrase for situations where a significant apology is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly sorry" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the implied subject (I, we, etc.), expressing a strong degree of remorse or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its use to convey sincere apology.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly sorry" is used to convey a strong sense of regret or remorse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples primarily from news sources. Although grammatically sound, it is relatively rare. When using "utterly sorry", consider the context and ensure that the intensity of the phrase aligns with the seriousness of the situation. Alternatives like "deeply regretful" or "sincerely apologetic" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly regretful

Using "regretful" offers a near synonym, maintaining the original's intensity, while being a close structural match.

terribly sorry

Emphasizes the degree of sorrow but might be perceived as slightly less intense than "utterly sorry".

extremely remorseful

Conveys a strong feeling of guilt and regret for past actions, intensifying the feeling of being sorry.

profoundly apologetic

Like "deeply regretful", this alternative communicates a elevated degree of remorse.

sincerely apologetic

Highlights the genuineness of the apology, focusing on the sincerity of the person's remorse.

exceptionally apologetic

Similar to sincerely apologetic, it stresses the unusually high degree of the apology offered.

deeply regretful

Emphasizes the depth of regret felt, shifting from a general apology to a more profound emotional state.

genuinely contrite

Indicates sincere regret and willingness to atone, suggesting a more formal and profound sense of remorse.

truly ashamed

Focuses on the feeling of shame and embarrassment, implying a deeper level of personal regret.

absolutely mortified

This communicates extreme embarrassment and shame, pivoting slightly from simple regret to intense humiliation.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly sorry" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly sorry" to express deep regret. For example, "I am utterly sorry for the mistake I made" or "He was utterly sorry for the pain he caused".

What phrases are similar to "utterly sorry"?

Similar phrases include "deeply regretful", "sincerely apologetic", or "extremely remorseful", which all convey a strong sense of remorse.

Is "utterly sorry" too formal for casual conversation?

While not overly formal, "utterly sorry" is stronger than a simple "sorry". Consider the context; in casual settings, a simpler apology might be more appropriate. Save "utterly sorry" for more serious situations.

What's the difference between "utterly sorry" and "truly sorry"?

"Utterly sorry" emphasizes the completeness of the regret, while "truly sorry" focuses on the genuineness of the feeling. Both convey sincerity, but "utterly" suggests a more profound depth of remorse.