[Grammar] It's a pitty

[Kotfor]

I was told recently that "That's a pity" is wrong, it should be "It's a pity" instead. Is it really so? Is "that" completely wrong in this phrase?

 

[Matthew Wai]

I found 'that's a pity' on http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/pity_1 Definition#1

Not a teacher.

 

[MikeNewYork]

No. Depending on context, it is perfectly fine.

 

[BobK]

:up: I think this might be a partial recollection of the fact you can't say 'That's a pity that we can't go'. Or, to put it generally, 'That's a pity' is fine if the sentence stops there. But if, in the same sentence, you go on to specify whatever's regrettable, you have to start 'It's a pity...'.

b

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree. Usually, "That's a pity" follows another thought.