Meaning & use
such a pity
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
used to say that something is sad or disappointing
Grammar: Often used as a complete response or followed by 'that' + clause: 'Such a pity that you can't come.'
Patterns
- such a pity that ...
- it's such a pity
- what a pity
You can't come to the party? Such a pity!
It's such a pity that the concert was canceled.
Such a pity we didn't meet earlier.
Common combinations
- it's such a pity
- It's such a pity that you have to leave so soon.
- such a pity that
- Such a pity that the weather turned bad.
- what a pity
- What a pity you missed the show!
- a real pity
- It's a real pity we can't stay longer.
Synonyms and how they differ
- too bad
- More informal and often used in American English; it can sound less sympathetic.
- a shame
- Very similar in meaning and formality; 'such a shame' is also common.
- unfortunate
- More formal and used as an adjective, not as a standalone phrase.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: such a pity or such pity?
such a pity vs such pity
Without 'a', 'such pity' means 'so much sympathy' and is less common. 'Such a pity' is the fixed phrase for expressing disappointment.
Practice
Which sentence correctly uses 'such a pity'?
Choose one answer.
'Such a pity' is followed by 'that' + clause or by a clause alone. Option 0 is correct. Option 1 omits 'a', which changes the meaning. Option 2 uses a question mark incorrectly. Option 3 uses 'for' where 'that' or nothing is needed.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “such a pity”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.