Can I say for example "it's a pity you are not here" instead "I wish you were here" ? Could you clarify it for me if I can say "it's a pity ..." instead of "I wish ..." ? For example instead of "I wis

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Andrew

Can I say for example "it's a pity you are not here" instead "I wish you were here" ? Could you clarify it for me if I can say "it's a pity ..." instead of "I wish ..." ? For example instead of "I wish the sky weren't so cloudy" > "It's a pity that the sky is so cloudy" or instead of "I wish I hadn't done it" > "It's a pity I did it". Is it clear if I say so?

30 Thg 03 2018 23:40

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Sergio

The two expressions are not exactly interchangeable. They may be sometimes, but even in those case, the emphasis of the sentence may change. To begin with "it's a pity" expresses negativity. If you tell someone "It's a pity you're not here", they might feel guilty, or uneasy. If you say: "I wish you were here", they just feel desired and loved. This is just a brief explanation. So much could be said for any instance in which one would use one or the other, but it's better to analyze them individually.

30 tháng 3 năm 2018

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Sergio

Also, in general "it's a pity" is not used commonly, not as much as "I wish"

31 tháng 3 năm 2018 · Hồi âm

Andrew

Ok, I'll take into a count this, thanks:)

31 tháng 3 năm 2018 · Hồi âm

Naomi

Giáo viên chuyên nghiệp

When English speakers say, "It is a pity it is raining again" or "It is a pity you couldn't visit me", they are usually expressing genuine sadness. It is an expression that is usually said when there is a reason for the sadness. For example, "It is a pity it is raining today because I planned a family picnic!'. OR "It is a pity you couldn't visit me today because I planned a lovely meal!" I hope this helps

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31 tháng 3 năm 2018

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Naomi

To add to the other comment about the expression, "It is a shame", this would generally be used in a milder way then the expression, "It is pity". Saying, "It is a shame" expresses regret rather than sadness. Other expressions that are similar and common are, "That is unfortunate" and "That is too bad". These would be used when things just happen by chance to turn out badly. So as a guide, maybe you could use this guide? "It is a pity" for things that make you feel compassion. "It is a shame" for things that cause you feel regret. "It is unfortunate" for things that are seen by you as unsuccessful. I hope this helps to clarify things for you.

31 tháng 3 năm 2018 · Hồi âm

Andrew

Thank you, Naomi. You've been really helpful. Now I'm beginning to differentiate these expressions.

1 tháng 4 năm 2018 · Hồi âm

[Người dùng đã hủy tài khoản]

I heard they say also 'that's a shame you are not here' or some other phrases with 'shame', when they regret of something. Could anyone clarify in what cases 'shame' would be better to use?

31 tháng 3 năm 2018

Andrew

Right, I've also encountered this expression in a similar context, and it really would be helpful to understand its precise usage.

31 tháng 3 năm 2018 · Hồi âm

Ricky

Giáo viên chuyên nghiệp

Greetings Andrej, Yes! You can say: It's a pity you're not here. Let me know if you have any doubts on how to use the word "pity". Ricky,

30 tháng 3 năm 2018

Andrew

Thanks, Ricky! It'll help me.

31 tháng 3 năm 2018 · Hồi âm

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