we were sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express regret or sympathy about a situation or event that has occurred. Example: "After hearing about the unfortunate news, we were sorry to learn of your loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

We were sorry to see her go.

The Guardian

"We were sorry we had to do it that way".

The New Yorker

"We were sorry to see him go," Mr. Mancini said.

The New York Times

Wonga said: "We were sorry to hear of the tragic death of Mr Sparham-Price.

Independent

"It was disappointing, and we were sorry that it was necessary," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

We were sorry, sorry, sorry, but, "si, por favor, quiero cancelar.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

We are sorry.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're sorry.

The New York Times - Travel

Mexico, we are sorry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"And we're sorry".

The New York Times

"We are sorry," it begins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were sorry" to express empathy or regret when acknowledging someone's misfortune or expressing disappointment in a situation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "we were sorry" as a generic response without addressing the underlying issue or taking concrete action to rectify the situation. Be specific and show genuine accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were sorry" functions as an expression of regret, sympathy, or apology. As shown by Ludwig, it is frequently used to convey a feeling of sadness or remorse about a particular event or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were sorry" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey regret, sympathy, or apology. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "we regret" or "we apologize" may be preferable in certain professional settings. Common in news and media, it’s important to use this phrase sincerely and avoid overusing it without taking genuine responsibility. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its wide range of applications, from expressing condolences to acknowledging mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are so sorry

Adds emphasis to the feeling of sorrow.

we are sorry to hear

Used specifically when responding to bad news.

we regret

More formal and direct expression of regret.

we apologize

A formal expression of apology, suitable for official statements.

we extend our apologies

A more formal version of offering an apology.

we are saddened

Expresses sorrow or grief about a situation.

we were disappointed

Conveys a feeling of letdown or dissatisfaction.

it's regrettable that

A more detached way of expressing regret about a situation.

we feel remorse

A deeper and more profound sense of regret or guilt.

we express our sympathy

Focuses on offering compassion and understanding.

FAQs

What does "we were sorry" mean?

The phrase "we were sorry" expresses regret, sympathy, or disappointment regarding a situation or event. It indicates a feeling of sadness or remorse about something that has happened.

When is it appropriate to use "we were sorry"?

Use "we were sorry" when you want to convey empathy, acknowledge a mistake, or express disappointment. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "we were sorry"?

You can use alternatives like "we regret", "we apologize", or "we are saddened" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were sorry" formal or informal?

"We were sorry" is generally considered neutral in formality. While it can be used in formal contexts, phrases like "we regret" or "we extend our apologies" might be more appropriate for very formal situations.