I regretted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I regretted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling of remorse or disappointment about a past action or decision. Example: "After reflecting on my choices, I regretted not taking the opportunity when it was presented to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I regretted him.

The New Yorker

I regretted the promotion".

The New Yorker

"I regretted it.

The New York Times

I regretted asking.

The New York Times - Sports

I regretted leaving him out.

The New York Times

When I didn't, I regretted that, too.

The New York Times

"I regretted it," he told me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I regret all death.

The New Yorker

I regret it immediately.

The Guardian

Do I regret it?

The New York Times

Sure, I regret it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I regretted" to express a personal feeling of disappointment or sorrow about a past action or decision. Ensure the context clearly indicates what you are regretting.

Common error

Avoid using "regretted" when you actually mean "resented". "Regretted" implies sorrow for something you did, while "resented" implies bitterness towards something someone else did, or something that happened to you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I regretted" functions as the main clause of a sentence, expressing a retrospective feeling of sorrow, disappointment, or remorse about a past action or decision. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I regretted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express remorse or disappointment about a past action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific action or decision you are regretting. Alternative phrases include "I felt regret" or "I was sorry". Avoid confusing "regretted" with "resented". This phrase serves to communicate personal feelings about past experiences, and its formality is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt regret

Replaces the verb "regretted" with the noun "regret" and the verb "felt".

I wish I hadn't

Expresses a desire to undo a past action.

I was filled with remorse

Uses stronger language, emphasizing deep sorrow or guilt.

I lamented that

Implies a more formal or sorrowful expression of regret.

I was sorry about that

A more general expression of regret or apology.

I look back on that with regret

Emphasizes reflection and long-term regret.

I had misgivings about it

Indicates a feeling of doubt or apprehension after an action.

I second-guessed my decision

Focuses on questioning the wisdom of a past choice.

I disapprove of my past action

Expresses regret through the lens of current disapproval.

It was a mistake

Simplifies the expression to a statement of error.

FAQs

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

You can use "I regretted" to express a feeling of disappointment or sorrow about a past action. For example, "I regretted not studying harder for the exam."

What are some alternatives to "I regretted"?

Alternatives include "I felt remorse", "I was sorry", or "I wish I hadn't", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I regret" instead of "I regretted"?

"I regret" refers to a present feeling or action, while "I regretted" refers to a past feeling or action. The correct choice depends on the time frame you're discussing.

What's the difference between "I regretted doing" and "I regretted to do"?

"I regretted doing" implies that you performed the action and then felt regret. "I regretted to do" is less common and typically used to express reluctance or formality about undertaking a future action, such as "I regretted to inform you..."