we are very sorry that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are very sorry that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing regret or apology for a specific situation or action. Example: "We are very sorry that we could not meet your expectations during your recent visit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He said: "We are very sorry that Rebecca Leighton ended up spending some time in prison.

The Guardian

John Lewis said: "We are very sorry that Mrs Robinson was upset after visiting our shop.

The Guardian - Business

A Hampshire county council spokesman said: "We are very sorry that this incident occurred.

The Guardian

In a video statement, Harvey said: "We are very sorry that this situation has arisen.

The Guardian - Business

A spokesman for Frankie and Benny's said: "We are very sorry that this happened.

The Guardian

We are very sorry that on this occasion we have fallen short of our usual high standards.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"We're very sorry that it happened," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We hate that we offended people, and we're very sorry that we did," Andrew Mason, chief executive of Groupon, wrote in a post on Thursday on the corporate blog.

The New York Times

A letter to you from Acorne, the company behind the breaks, said: "We're very sorry that, despite going to considerable lengths to accommodate your stipulation that you were only prepared to travel at specific times, we have been unable to find a solution you consider acceptable.

The Guardian - Money

"We're very sorry that the video was temporarily inaccessible.

TechCrunch

A spokesman for Waitrose, said: "We're very sorry that we got it wrong".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are very sorry that", clearly state the reason for the apology to ensure the recipient understands the specific issue being addressed. This shows sincerity and helps in resolving the matter effectively.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "we are very sorry that" without explaining what you are apologizing for. Always provide specific details to show genuine remorse and a commitment to improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are very sorry that" functions as an expression of apology or regret. It introduces a statement conveying remorse for a specific situation or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard way to express regret.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are very sorry that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express regret or apology. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It finds frequent use in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, be specific about the reason for the apology to ensure clarity and sincerity. Alternatives like "we deeply regret that" or "we sincerely apologize that" can provide nuanced variations in tone. The key is to use the phrase thoughtfully and with genuine intent to address the situation at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we deeply regret that

Emphasizes a stronger sense of regret.

we sincerely apologize that

Offers a formal apology, highlighting sincerity.

we are truly sorry that

Adds emphasis to the feeling of being sorry.

we regret to inform you that

Used when conveying bad news, adding a layer of formality.

we are saddened to hear that

Expresses sadness over a piece of news or event.

it is with great regret that we

A formal and emphatic way to express regret.

we take full responsibility for

Shifts focus to accepting accountability.

we are liable for

Addresses liability or legal responsibility

we are at fault

Addresses the fact of responsibility and accountability

we are responsible for

Acknowledges a causal relationship with accountability

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we are very sorry that"?

You can use alternatives like "we deeply regret that", "we sincerely apologize that", or "we are truly sorry that" depending on the context.

How to use "we are very sorry that" in a sentence?

Use "we are very sorry that" to express regret or apology for a specific situation or action. For example, "We are very sorry that we could not meet your expectations during your recent visit."

Which is correct, "we are very sorry that" or "we are so sorry that"?

Both phrases are correct, but "we are very sorry that" is often perceived as slightly more formal and sincere than "we are so sorry that".

What's the difference between "we are very sorry that" and "we regret that"?

"We regret that" is a more formal expression of regret, while "we are very sorry that" conveys a more personal and empathetic tone. "We regret that" is often used in official statements, while "we are very sorry that" can be used in both personal and professional contexts.