Meaning
An expression of polite regret or disappointment, often used in British English.
Primary Function
Regret / disappointment
Communicative Purpose
To express that something is regrettable
Pattern
What a pity!
Core Structure
What a pity!
Função primária
Regret / disappointment
Propósito comunicativo
To express that something is regrettable
Situações de gatilho
Missed opportunities, unfortunate events
Contextos
Everyday, formal social
Padrão
What a pity!
Estrutura central
What a pity!
Slots de substituição
none
Colocados típicos
- that
- you
- it
Substituições comuns
- That's a shame
- How unfortunate
- That's a pity
Erros comuns
Not for extremely grave situations; can sound trivializing.
Similar / contraste
How sad, That's too bad, It's a crying shame (stronger)
Interferências
In American English, 'pitiful' is more common for complaints.
Família do chunk
- Regretful phrases: What a shame
- How sad
- It's regrettable
Nuance
Carries an elegant tone of regret.
Efeito pragmático
Conveys polite empathy.
Dica de memória
Alas
Nota
This expression is more common in British English and conveys a polite and somewhat formal sense of regret or disappointment. It is often used in social situations to express sympathy or to acknowledge an unfortunate event.
Upgrade path
That's a shame → What a pity → How very unfortunate
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