What a loss! VERSUS What a shame!

[Handira]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #34 "Responses (7)", question 5

Jill: 'After all that effort we didn't manage to sell a single one.'
Frank: '.........'

(a) What a loss!
(b) What a shame!
(c) What a job!
(d) What a crime!

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #34 "Responses (7)", answer 5

Jill: 'After all that effort we didn't manage to sell a single one.'
Frank: 'What a shame!'

Correct answer: (b) What a shame!
_________________________

What a loss!

Handira

[Alan]

Hi,

There is no reference to a loss in this dialogue but merely to the fact that it is a pity there was no sale after all that effort.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a flat hunter

[Traitimtinhnquyen27]

Dear Alan,

In this situation, Could Frank say that "what a pity" instead of "what a shame"?

[Alan]

Hi,

Yes, that would do also.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Here comes 2004...

[Amalmusica]

why "what a loss" is not correct?
all that effort they have done are lost no?
shame refers with infront of public or what?
if we are on a show or get together we are doing something stupid and everyone see that..
we say what a shame?
at the same time , in the case of bussiness it is a loss or Am I wrong?
I have doubts on the differences between what a shame and what a loss..please help me!
amal.

[Alan]

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Hi,

As I explained in a previous post, there is no reference to anything being lost in that comment. It may well be as a consequence of not selling anything, there is a financial loss but Frank is simply expressing regret to Jill.

Let me give you another example. You would say: What a loss if someone had invested money in a company that had gone bankrupt. You would say: What a shame if you wanted to express sympathy for something unfortunate that has happened.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Your Choice