I regret

USAGE SUMMARY

"I regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express regret or sadness about a situation or an action. For example: "I regret not spending more time with my grandmother before she passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I regret this lapse.

The New York Times

"I regret them.

The New York Times

"I regret saying it").

The New Yorker

I regret the error.

The New York Times

Sure, I regret it.

The New York Times

Do I regret that?

The New Yorker

I regret it infinitely.

The New York Times

I regret it".

The New Yorker

"I regret all death.

The New Yorker

I regret it immediately.

The Guardian

Do I regret it?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I regret" to express sincere remorse or disappointment over a past action or situation. Ensure the context clearly identifies what you regret and why.

Common error

Avoid using "I regret" when referring to current, ongoing actions. "I regret" typically relates to past events. For present situations, consider alternatives like "I am unhappy with" or "I am not satisfied with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I regret" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing remorse, disappointment, or sorrow about a past action, decision, or event. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis, and the provided examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to convey feelings of regret.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I regret" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey feelings of remorse, disappointment, or sorrow. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from personal reflections to formal apologies. While alternatives like "I am sorry" and "I apologize" exist, "I regret" specifically emphasizes sorrow over a particular action or situation. Ensure its usage aligns with past events, as misapplication in the present tense is a common error. With a neutral register and high usage frequency across news, academic, and business spheres, "I regret" remains a versatile and impactful tool for expressing sincere regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am sorry

This is a simple and direct expression of regret or apology, similar in function but more general.

I apologize

This conveys a more formal expression of regret and often includes an implied request for forgiveness.

I feel remorse

This highlights the internal feeling of deep regret or guilt about a past action.

I am disappointed

This expresses regret specifically related to unmet expectations or unsatisfactory outcomes.

I wish I hadn't

This indicates regret about a specific action that was taken in the past.

It's my fault

This acknowledges responsibility and implicitly expresses regret for the negative consequences.

I take responsibility

This conveys acceptance of blame and an implied expression of regret, especially in formal contexts.

I shouldn't have

This is a regretful statement about a past action that is now viewed as a mistake.

I lament

This conveys a formal and often public expression of sorrow or regret.

I deplore

This expresses strong disapproval and regret, often used in formal or political contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "I regret" in a sentence?

Use "I regret" to express sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened. For example, "I regret not studying harder for the exam" or "I regret the way things turned out".

What can I say instead of "I regret"?

You can use alternatives like "I am sorry", "I apologize", or "I feel remorse depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "I am regretting"?

While grammatically possible, "I am regretting" is less common than "I regret". "I regret" is generally preferred for expressing a state of regret, whereas "I am regretting" might be used to emphasize the ongoing feeling of regret in specific situations.

What is the difference between "I regret" and "I am sorry"?

"I regret" often focuses on the action or situation causing the sorrow, while "I am sorry" is a more general expression of sympathy or apology. You might say "I regret my decision", or "I am sorry for your loss".