unfortunately epitome of incomprehensibility How's this as an email reply? "Unfortunately I won't be in England this summer, but I hope to catch one of his concerts in Montreal later on." Is it unfortunate that I won't be in England this summer? Why are politeness conventions so indirect in this country?? What I really mean is "I am sorry to disappoint you a tiny amount in the matter of not being in a certain place at the right time to see your friend's concert." But that would be long. 240626 what's it to you? who go blather from