I lament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I lament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing sorrow or regret about something. Example: "I lament the loss of our cherished traditions in modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But I lament the loss of mystery.

The Guardian - Film

I lament the demise of the Victorian whisker restrainer".

The Guardian

I lament any harm this may have unintentionally inflicted on my many female pen-pals.

The New Yorker

There are rare occasions when I lament not having an assistant.

The New York Times

When I lament and darken over my diminishments, I accomplish nothing.

The New Yorker

The thing I lament most is the absence of a functioning legislature.

The New York Times

KD: I lament having to give up Indian clothing now that I'm here.

The Guardian - Books

But in these final moments, I lament the time that I took for granted.

The New York Times

"I lament that, but the president is in charge and the president continues exercising power.

The New York Times

On the other hand, I lament how slow the process is.

The New York Times

I lament the disappearance of the seeded watermelon from grocery stores across America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I lament" when you want to express a sense of sorrow or regret, often with a touch of formality. It's suitable for expressing feelings about something significant that has been lost or is regrettable.

Common error

Avoid using "I lament" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I lament" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing sorrow or regret. Ludwig shows examples where it's used to convey feelings about various losses, from abstract concepts like mystery to concrete things like personal time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I lament" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying sorrow or regret, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a formal tone suitable for expressing considered feelings about significant losses. While effective in formal settings, be mindful of its register and consider simpler alternatives like "I regret" in casual conversation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its versatility in expressing grief over diverse subjects, making it a powerful tool for nuanced emotional expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I regret

This is a more direct and common synonym, lacking the slightly formal tone of "lament".

I am sorry about

Focuses more on expressing sympathy or apology rather than deep sorrow.

I am saddened by

Expresses sorrow or unhappiness caused by something.

I bemoan

Emphasizes prolonged and intense sorrow over something.

I rue

Expresses bitter regret and sorrow for something one has done or failed to do.

It's a pity that

Expresses mild regret or disappointment about a situation.

I mourn

Typically used for grieving a loss, often a death, and is more profound than simply regretting.

I deplore

Indicates strong disapproval and condemnation, often of actions or situations.

I grieve over

Similar to "mourn" but can be used for things other than death, such as loss of opportunities or relationships.

I am disappointed by

Conveys a sense of letdown rather than deep sorrow or regret.

FAQs

What does "I lament" mean?

"I lament" means to express sorrow, regret, or grief. It suggests a sense of loss or disappointment.

When is it appropriate to use "I lament"?

It's appropriate to use "I lament" when expressing a deep sense of sorrow or regret, often in formal writing or speech. It's stronger than saying "I regret" and implies a more profound sense of loss.

What are some alternatives to "I lament"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I regret", "I mourn", or "I am sorry about". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I lament" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "I lament" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "I'm sad about" or "I regret" are usually more appropriate for informal settings.