I regret having

USAGE SUMMARY

"I regret having" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as expressing regret or remorse over one's own actions or decisions. For example: "I regret having wasted so much time on this project".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I regret having published it".

The New York Times

I regret having to write such harsh things.

The Guardian

"I regret having written 'Mockingbird Years' — the memoir, that is, not the essay.

The New York Times - Books

Now I regret having sat on the fence for so long.

The New York Times

I regret having had to cancel so many engagements at such short notice".

The New York Times

Some have even asked if I regret having launched the campaign.

Stanford University

I regret having to be the one to inform you that this is the case.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I regretted having put it like that.

The New Yorker

I now found that I regretted having shown such weakness.

The New Yorker

"Right," she said, and I regretted having brought it up.

The New Yorker

By week two, Ms. Bullock added: "I regretted having taken the film.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I regret having" to clearly and directly express remorse or disappointment about a past action or decision. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, "I regret having" can sound overly emotional in highly formal settings. Consider replacing it with more neutral phrases like "With hindsight, I would have done differently", especially in professional reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I regret having" functions as a declarative expression indicating remorse or disappointment about a completed action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase sets the stage for expressing a sentiment of wishing things had been different in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I regret having" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying remorse about past actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most commonly in news and media but is also present in academic and business contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the register, especially in formal settings, where a more neutral tone may be preferable. Consider alternatives like "I wish I hadn't" for similar expressions of regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wish I hadn't

Expresses a wish that something had not happened, implying regret.

I'm sorry I did

A more direct expression of sorrow or regret for a past action.

If I could do it over, I wouldn't

Expresses a desire to change a past action, implying regret.

I lament having

Uses a more formal and literary term, "lament", to express regret.

It's my regret that I

Focuses on the regret itself rather than the action.

I feel remorse for

Emphasizes the feeling of remorse associated with a past action.

I am filled with regret about

Highlights the intensity of the feeling of regret.

I look back with regret on

Emphasizes reflecting on the past with regret.

I am disappointed that I

Conveys a sense of disappointment, implying regret over a missed opportunity or poor decision.

I rue the day I

Uses a more archaic term, "rue", to express strong regret.

FAQs

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

You can use "I regret having" followed by a past participle to express remorse about a past action. For example, "I regret having said those harsh words".

What are some alternatives to "I regret having"?

Alternatives include "I wish I hadn't", "I'm sorry I did", or "if I could do it over, I wouldn't".

Is it grammatically correct to say "I regret having done"?

Yes, "I regret having done" is grammatically correct. The verb "regret" is followed by a gerund (having done) to refer to a past action.

What's the difference between "I regret doing" and "I regret having done"?

"I regret doing" can refer to an action one is currently doing or has recently done, whereas "I regret having done" specifically refers to an action completed in the past.