When do people use the word unfortunately?

Answer 1

In most cases, unfortunately is a negative word but like any word, it depends on how it's used. For example:

Unfortunately, I missed the bus (so I wasn't at the bank when it was held up).

Unfortunately, I was fired (or I would never have gotten this great job).

Unfortunately, he dumped me. (Thank goodness, I'm so glad to hear that!)

Answer 2

The word unfortunately is an adverb which modifies a verb. Example sentences:

Unfortunately, he didn't know how to use unfortunately in a sentence.

Hello Ma'am, may I please have 3 chicken Sandwiches to go. Unfortunately, we just ran out. Maybe you can come back in a few minutes and we will have more ready.

Unfortunately, my car broke down on the way to work.

Answer 3

It is not common to find 'unfortunately' in the middle of a sentence - you would find 'unfortunate'.

'Unfortunately' can be used as a fronted adverbialhowever, which means it can start a sentence and it is an adverb.

Take this sentence, for example - it doesn't sound right.

• Jim had unfortunately broken his leg.

You should write it as:

• Unfortunately, Jim had broken his leg.

A sentence that does sound sense is:

• It was unfortunately destroyed in a car crash.

It could also be written as:

• Unfortunately, it was destroyed in car crash.
• It was unfortunate that it was destroyed in a car crash.

Answer 4

It's unfortunate that no one has answered this question.