very sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

"very sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express regret or remorse in a written statement. For example, "I am very sorry for my mistake, and I will do everything I can to make it right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He is very sorry.

The New York Times

I'm really very sorry".

The New Yorker

WWB: "I'm very sorry.

The New York Times

"We are very sorry".

Independent

Signora: "I'm very sorry.

The New Yorker

He's very sorry.

The New Yorker

"We're very sorry".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Very sorry," I reply.

The Times

I'm truly very sorry.

The New Yorker

"Very sorry us".

The New York Times

I'm so very sorry".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context of your communication. In more formal situations, a phrase like "sincerely apologetic" might be more appropriate than "very sorry".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very sorry" in professional or formal communications. While acceptable, it can sound less impactful than more sophisticated alternatives like "I deeply regret" or "Please accept my sincerest apologies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very sorry" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying an implied or stated subject, expressing a state of regret or remorse. Ludwig showcases its use in contexts ranging from personal apologies to corporate statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very sorry" is a commonly used phrase to express regret or remorse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it also appears in formal business settings. To enhance your writing, consider specifying the reason for your apology and using more formal alternatives in professional contexts. Remember that, while "very sorry" is widely accepted, context dictates the most appropriate expression of regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am heartily sorry

Expressing deep and sincere regret.

sincerely apologetic

This option conveys a genuine and heartfelt apology.

extremely remorseful

This phrase indicates a strong feeling of guilt and regret for past actions.

am full of remorse

A more emphatic way of saying you are sorry.

deeply regretful

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the depth of the regret.

filled with regret

This option highlights the feeling of remorse and disappointment.

truly saddened

This alternative expresses sorrow or grief, particularly in response to unfortunate events.

wish to express my apologies

This phrase is a formal and polite way of offering an apology.

apologies for the inconvenience

This is a typical phrase to apologise for causing troubles.

I shouldn't have done that

A more direct way of admitting a mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "very sorry" to express remorse or regret. For example, "I am very sorry for the misunderstanding" or "We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused".

What can I say instead of "very sorry"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply regretful", "sincerely apologetic", or "extremely remorseful depending on the context.

Is "very sorry" formal or informal?

"Very sorry" is generally considered neutral in tone. While appropriate in many situations, more formal language might be preferable in professional settings, for which a good option is to use "apologies for the inconvenience".

When is it appropriate to use "very sorry"?

It is appropriate to use "very sorry" when you want to express genuine remorse or regret for something you have done or for an unfortunate situation. Context determines its suitability; consider more formal options for professional settings.