I regret about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I regret about" is not correct in written English.
The correct usage is simply "I regret" without the preposition "about." Example: "I regret not attending the meeting last week."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There is, he said, "nothing I regret" about his Mossad service.

The Guardian

The Open at St Andrews was a very attractive way to start, the only thing I regret about it is that Kel Nagle beat me".

Independent

"The one thing I regret about getting to play here in Pittsburgh is how many people want me to get them tickets," guard Julius Page said.

The New York Times - Sports

But if there's one thing I regret about my career it's that I didn't let my acting do the talking (2).

The Guardian - Film

"There is just one thing I regret about that – and my own excuse is that nobody mentioned it to me ever – which is that we failed to keep high street banking separate from investment banks".

Independent

With all of their benefits, and there are many, one of the things I regret about e-books is that they have taken away the necessity of trawling foreign bookshops or the shelves of holiday houses to find something to read.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"But there were certain things I regretted about doing it.

The New York Times - Sports

I regret nothing about my intake.

Vice

I regret not writing about mortality in my review.

The Guardian - Music

"I regret saying anything about the tiger," Chen laments.

TechCrunch

I have nothing to regret about this video.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing regret, use the verb "regret" directly followed by the object of regret (e.g., "I regret my decision"), or use the structure "I am regretful about" followed by the object of regret.

Common error

Don't add "about" after the verb "regret". The preposition is redundant and grammatically incorrect. Instead, directly state what you regret: "I regret" + [the thing you regret].

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I regret about" functions as an attempt to express remorse or disappointment concerning a specific action, event, or situation. However, based on Ludwig AI, the construction is grammatically incorrect, as the verb "regret" does not typically require the preposition "about."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I regret about" appears in some sources, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies that the verb "regret" doesn't typically require the preposition "about". Standard usage involves saying "I regret" followed directly by the object of regret. Alternatives include "I am regretful about", "I am sorry about", or "I have regrets about", each offering a slightly different nuance while adhering to proper grammar. When aiming for clear and correct communication, it's best to avoid "I regret about".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I regret

Omits the unnecessary preposition "about", aligning with standard English grammar.

I am regretful about

Replaces "regret" with its adjective form, accompanied by the verb "to be", and retains the preposition "about".

I feel regret about

Adds the verb "feel" to express the emotion of regret, keeping "about" but sounding less direct.

I have regrets about

Uses the noun form "regrets" to express the feeling, retaining the preposition "about".

I express regret regarding

Replaces "about" with "regarding" making it more formal.

I feel remorse for

Shifts the focus to feeling remorse, a deeper sense of regret, and changes the preposition to "for".

I am sorry about

Offers a more general expression of apology or regret, focusing on the feeling of being sorry.

I lament

Uses a more formal and literary term for expressing sorrow or regret.

I rue

Employs an archaic term for regret, suggesting deep sorrow or bitterness.

I deplore

Expresses strong disapproval or condemnation, implying regret over a situation or action.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "I regret about"?

No, the correct usage is "I regret" without the preposition "about". Saying "I regret about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English.

What's the difference between "I regret" and "I am regretful about"?

"I regret" is a direct statement of remorse, while "I am regretful about" is a more descriptive and slightly less direct way of expressing the same sentiment. Both are correct, but "I regret" is often more concise.

What can I say instead of "I regret about"?

Since "I regret about" is not correct, you can simply say "I regret" followed by what you are sorry for. Alternatively, you could say "I am sorry about" or "I have regrets about".

When should I use "I regret" versus "I am regretful"?

Use "I regret" when you want to express immediate or direct remorse. Use "I am regretful" when you want to describe your feeling of regret in a slightly more detached or reflective manner. Both are acceptable in formal and informal contexts.