I deplore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I deplore" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express strong disapproval or regret about something. Example: "I deplore the lack of action on climate change." Alternative expressions include "I condemn" and "I disapprove."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I deplore that programme.

The Guardian

"I deplore doctrines," Kennan said.

The New Yorker

Mr Robinson said: "I deplore it utterly.

Independent

I regret it and I deplore it.

The Guardian

"I deplore the lack of credibility of both the two candidates; and I deplore the weakness of the debates.

The Guardian

On the one hand I deplore his policies.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a citizen, then, I deplore this proposal.

The New York Times

And I deplore it if it has increased.

The Guardian

Mr Boles, who serves as a planning minister, said: "Obviously I deplore this act of violence.

Independent

"I deplore those attacks on the pharmaceutical and insurance companies," he told me.

The New Yorker

"I deplore the culture of bans and burning of books," said Tushar Gandhi, a great-grandson.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the verb directly with a noun phrase or a "that" clause to specify exactly what is being criticized.

Common error

Do not use "I deplore" for minor annoyances, such as "I deplore long lines at the grocery store." Using such a strong, high-register verb for trivial matters can make your writing sound overly dramatic or sarcastic when that is not the intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I deplore" serves as a performative verb phrase where the speaker is actively expressing a state of deep moral or ethical disapproval. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often functions as a decisive opening to a statement of criticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

12%

Politics

6%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I deplore" is a robust and sophisticated way to voice deep-seated disapproval. According to Ludwig AI and the extensive search results, it is a staple of high-quality journalism and formal rhetoric. It transcends mere dislike, moving into the territory of moral or ethical rejection. Whether used by a diplomat to "deplore the loss of life" or a critic to "deplore the lack of style", the phrase carries significant weight. Writers should use it judiciously to maintain its impact, ensuring the subject matter warrants such a strong linguistic response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I condemn

Expresses a more official or public disapproval, often suggesting a moral judgment.

I decry

A formal way to publicly denounce or criticize something.

I strongly disapprove of

More descriptive and slightly less intense than deplore but covers the same sentiment.

I denounce

Used when publicly declaring something to be wrong or evil.

I am appalled by

Emphasizes the shock or horror felt by the speaker.

I detest

A more personal and emotional expression of intense dislike.

I object to

Focuses on the act of opposition or disagreement with a practice.

I regret

Focuses more on the feeling of sadness or disappointment regarding an event.

I lament

Suggests a mix of disapproval and deep sorrow or grief.

I find... loathsome

Shifts the focus to the repulsive quality of the object being discussed.

FAQs

How do I use "I deplore" in a sentence?

You can use it to state a strong objection, such as "I deplore the violence occurring in the region" or "I deplore the lack of transparency in this process."

What is a more common way to say "I deplore"?

In everyday conversation, you might say "I really hate" or "I can't stand", but in professional writing, "I strongly disapprove of" is a common alternative.

What is the difference between "I deplore" and "I regret"?

While "I deplore" emphasizes strong disapproval or condemnation, "I regret" focuses on a sense of sorrow or wishing that something had not happened.

Is "I deplore" considered a formal expression?

Yes, it is a high-register verb typically found in political speeches, editorial writing, and formal statements. For a slightly less intense but still formal option, you might use "I condemn".