I regretfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I regretfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing sorrow or disappointment about a situation or decision. Example: "I regretfully must inform you that the event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And I regretfully have to admit, the past several weeks have been good, just good.

The New York Times - Style

• To the Editor: After a career in public service, I regretfully say, I would not do it again.

The New York Times

In the years since, I have tried to reconcile Ernest's fear of the F.B.I., which I regretfully misjudged, with the reality of the F.B.I. file.

The New York Times

But readers protested that this was glib and unfair, and after reviewing the evidence I regretfully confess that they have a point.

The New York Times

More resilient are the curving horns on her head; at the screening I attended, the audience was offered the plastic equivalent, which I regretfully declined, so as not to block the view of the person behind me.

The New Yorker

Once we'd written True Confessions, we were obviously on what I regretfully call "a roll", because a slightly different combination of O'Neill and Bradley and Doherty came up with Smarter Than U. The U was Damian's idea.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I did it regretfully, I don't normally have to do that, in the end it dragged on and on".

The Guardian

"You want to see your office through the difficult times, but I think it's time for me to go," said Mr. Picken, 63. "I do it regretfully".

The New York Times

(I panned it regretfully but firmly in a review Salewicz brands "sniffy").

The New York Times - Books

I reviewed a novel recently that I had regretfully to give a thumbs-down, though it was terribly well intended; its heart was in the right place.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is why I must regretfully return your card and gift; I just don't feel comfortable keeping them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I regretfully" when you want to convey a sense of sorrow or disappointment while delivering news or admitting something. Ensure the tone aligns with the seriousness of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "I regretfully" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or insincere in settings where a simpler expression of regret would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I regretfully" functions as an adverbial modifier expressing the speaker's regret while performing an action. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it precedes verbs such as 'admit', 'inform', and 'decline', indicating the speaker's attitude towards the action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I regretfully" is a phrase used to express sorrow or disappointment while conveying information. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings. Alternatives include "I am sorry to say" or "I must reluctantly admit", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Be mindful of the tone, avoiding overuse in informal situations, to maintain sincerity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regrettably, I must

Moves "regretfully" to the beginning for emphasis, altering sentence flow slightly.

I am sorry to say

Replaces "regretfully" with a more direct expression of apology or bad news.

I am saddened to report

Emphasizes sorrow in delivering information, suitable for more somber contexts.

It is with regret that I inform you

A more formal and distanced way of expressing regret when delivering news.

I must reluctantly admit

Highlights reluctance in admitting something, implying internal conflict.

To my disappointment

Shifts focus to personal disappointment rather than the act of regretting.

I am afraid I must

Introduces bad news with a sense of apprehension and politeness.

Much to my dismay

Expresses surprise and disappointment at an unfortunate outcome.

I have to confess with some regret

Conveys a sense of obligation mixed with regret in admitting something.

I wish I didn't have to

Expresses a desire to avoid the situation, highlighting unwillingness.

FAQs

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

"I regretfully" is typically followed by a verb that indicates the action you are expressing regret about. For example, "I regretfully must decline your invitation" or "I regretfully have to inform you of the cancellation".

What can I say instead of "I regretfully"?

You can use alternatives like "I am sorry to say", "I am saddened to report", or "it is with regret that I inform you" depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I regretfully" or "regrettably"?

Both "I regretfully" and "regrettably" are correct, but "regrettably" is an adverb that modifies the entire sentence, whereas "I regretfully" emphasizes the speaker's feeling of regret. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "I regretfully" and "I reluctantly"?

"I regretfully" implies sorrow or disappointment about an action, while "I reluctantly" suggests an unwillingness to do something, often due to external pressure or internal conflict. They differ in that regret focuses on the feeling, while reluctance focuses on the action.