very sadly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very sadly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong sense of sorrow or regret about a situation or event. Example: "Very sadly, we must announce the cancellation of the event due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It ended very sadly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Very sadly, I only had one source.

The Guardian

"They're used to loss and change, very sadly," he said.

The New York Times

Very sadly, Arctic Wings suffered fatal injuries in the fall.

The Guardian - Sport

"Very sadly, the U.N. horse is riderless," said the official.

The New York Times

He had such a seizure this morning and very sadly died shortly after admission to hospital.

Independent

He was a delightful eight-year-old who will be very sadly missed by everyone.

Independent

"I remember looking at him, and he shook his head very sadly," Ms. Feldman said.

The New York Times

"I suppose it is quite funny, Clive," said Hanwell, very sadly.

The New Yorker

Before anything could be finalised, my dad very sadly passed away.

The Guardian

My brother now, very sadly, though he's completely open about it, has a mental illness.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very sadly" to express genuine sorrow or regret about a specific event or situation. Avoid overuse in contexts where a more nuanced or descriptive expression of emotion would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "very sadly" as a mere filler phrase. Ensure it genuinely adds meaning and conveys the appropriate level of emotion to your writing. Consider whether a stronger or more specific adjective would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "very sadly" primarily functions to modify a verb or a clause, expressing the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. It indicates a strong feeling of sorrow or regret associated with the event being described. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very sadly" serves as an adverbial phrase used to express a strong feeling of sorrow or regret. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, with News & Media being the most frequent. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and consider more nuanced options depending on the specific context. Alternatives like "very regretfully" or "with great sadness" can provide subtle differences in meaning. Be mindful of the emotional impact, ensuring it genuinely enhances your writing without sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very regretfully

Indicates a feeling of regret alongside sadness, implying a sense of responsibility or a wish that things were different.

very regrettably

Similar to "very regretfully", but may carry a slightly stronger sense of formality or official acknowledgment.

with great sadness

A more formal and emphatic way to express deep sorrow.

very tragically

Focuses on the tragic nature of an event, emphasizing the severity and impact of the sadness.

it is with sorrow

Conveys a formal announcement of bad news, emphasizing sorrow

very disappointingly

Emphasizes the disappointment associated with a sad event, focusing on unmet expectations.

very unhappily

Highlights the lack of happiness surrounding a situation, often used to describe a state of affairs.

sorrowfully

Simple and direct adverb that implies sadness and grief.

grievously

It focuses on the intense pain and distress caused by the event, emphasizing a deep sense of suffering.

quite sadly

A milder version of "very sadly", indicating a moderate level of sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "very sadly" in a sentence?

"Very sadly" is typically used to express regret or sorrow about an event or situation. For example, "Very sadly, the event has been cancelled."

What phrases can I use instead of "very sadly"?

You can use alternatives such as "very regretfully", "very disappointingly", or "with great sadness".

When is it appropriate to use "very sadly"?

It is appropriate to use "very sadly" when you want to convey a strong feeling of sorrow or regret, especially when announcing unfortunate news or reflecting on a negative event. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase, as it can lose its impact.

What's the difference between "very sadly" and "unfortunately"?

"Very sadly" conveys a deeper emotional response than "unfortunately". "Unfortunately" is a more neutral way of expressing that something is not ideal, while "very sadly" emphasizes the sorrow or regret associated with the situation.