which is a pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is a pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express regret or disappointment about a situation or outcome. Example: "She decided not to attend the concert, which is a pity because it was a fantastic performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is a pity.

Forbes

Which is a pity, because Facebook needs some real competition.

The Guardian - Tech

Which is a pity, because these Pakistanis play gripping cricket.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which is a pity for the wider story around Foxconn.

The Guardian - Tech

Of course, Godzilla is not interested in establishing any kind of subtext, which is a pity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But it is now back on the shelf, which is a pity.

The Economist

Which is a pity, for evolutionary logic does, indeed, seem to require that.The argument is this.

The Economist

Which is a pity, as one suspects Kepnes is capable of better.

Independent

Which is a pity, because while Americans have been talking, other countries have been doing.

The Economist

Convoluted and highfalutin' language obscures good thoughts, which is a pity.

The Economist

Admittedly, they do not cut the overall CAP budget, which is a pity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is a pity" to softly introduce a negative aspect or consequence following a statement of fact, ensuring a smooth transition for the reader.

Common error

While acceptable, "which is a pity" can sound informal in some contexts. Opt for alternatives like "which is regrettable" or "which is unfortunate" in formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is a pity" functions as a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional commentary on a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to express disappointment or regret. The examples show it commonly used to soften a negative outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is a pity" is a versatile phrase used to express disappointment or regret. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for many situations, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "which is regrettable" for academic or professional settings. Remember to use it as a nonrestrictive clause following the statement you're commenting on, and avoid overuse to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which is regrettable

Expresses a more formal sense of disappointment than the original phrase.

which is unfortunate

Indicates a less severe sense of disappointment; slightly milder in tone.

it's a shame

A more informal expression of disappointment or regret.

that's too bad

An informal and empathetic expression of disappointment.

it's a lost opportunity

Focuses on the potential benefit that is now missed.

that's a disappointment

Directly states that the situation is not as desired.

it's a matter of regret

A more formal and reflective way to express sorrow or disappointment.

sadly

A concise adverb expressing sorrow or regret about a situation.

it's a crying shame

A stronger, more emphatic way to express disappointment.

what a waste

Highlights the unproductive or fruitless nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "which is a pity" in a sentence?

Use "which is a pity" to express disappointment or regret after stating a fact. For example, "The event was canceled, "which is a pity", because many people were looking forward to it."

What can I say instead of "which is a pity"?

You can use alternatives like "which is unfortunate", "which is regrettable", or "it's a shame" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "which is a pity"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "which is a pity" is less common. It usually follows a clause that provides context for the disappointment. A more natural structure would be to include it as a nonrestrictive clause: "They couldn't attend, "which is a pity"."

What's the difference between "which is a pity" and "which is a shame"?

Both ""which is a pity"" and "which is a shame" express regret, but "which is a shame" is often considered slightly more informal. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.