When I need to deliver someone an unfortunate news, what would be the opposite phrase to:
I'm happy to inform you...
or
I'm delighted to give you this news...
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"It is sadly that I inform you that..." – Nanda Dec 5 '13 at 9:19
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2"It is with sadness that . . ." is (50x, according to raw Google data) more common. These work in less intimate correspondence. 'I'm so sorry – have you heard that . . .' would be more tactful. – Edwin Ashworth Dec 5 '13 at 9:26
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1"With a heavy heart" – Em1 Dec 5 '13 at 9:43
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@Em1 Sounds great, although not formal enough in my context :-) – Dziad Borowy Dec 5 '13 at 9:46
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Sorry. (That's the answer, I mean.) – Kris Dec 5 '13 at 11:39
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I am (very) sorry to inform you...
4
I found the option that best suits my purpose:
I regret to inform you...
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@bib I didn't mean it's the best out there, I meant that it best suits my purpose :-) – Dziad Borowy Dec 5 '13 at 12:50
2
I am reluctant to inform you that...
Or, what you've hinted at in your original post:
"Unfortunately, you didn't win."
