Regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "regret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you feel sorrow or remorse for a past action. For example: "I regret not spending more time with my grandparents before they passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were wrong no matter the circumstance and I regret them".

The Guardian - Tech

I now regret it completely.

The New York Times

"I will always treasure my opportunity to have done that with you, and I will always regret the circumstances that brought that work with you to an end".

The New York Times

Whatever our politics there can never be justification, surely only regret".

The Guardian

We regret we cannot offer refunds where we have to change tutors or venues.

The Guardian

Do I regret it?

The New York Times

It claimed our credit rating was at risk, a claim it may yet regret.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's why I'm not rich, and I don't regret it at all".

The Guardian - Arts

However, he would regret it if the church lost its "credibility" among non-attenders who, he says, frequently feel warmly disposed to it "thanks to generations of love and service".

The Guardian

Harper, who was steering an immigration bill through the Commons that warns employers of their duty to check the status of employees, notified David Cameron on Friday, when his resignation was accepted "with regret".

The Guardian

You will never regret investing time in engaging your staff in the brand review and development process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regret" to express sorrow for actions or inactions. It conveys a sense of responsibility and reflection.

Common error

While both express negative feelings, "regret" typically relates to past actions, whereas "sorry" can be used for empathy or to express sympathy. Don't use "I regret for your loss"; instead, say "I am sorry for your loss".

Linguistic Context

"Regret" functions as both a noun and a verb, expressing sorrow or remorse for past actions or inactions. Ludwig confirms its correct usage for indicating feelings of disappointment or repentance, and the examples provided highlight its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regret" functions as both a noun and a verb to express sorrow or remorse, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its versatile usage spans from formal apologies to personal reflections. While grammatically straightforward, using "regret" effectively involves understanding its connotations related to past actions and distinguishing it from similar terms like "sorry". Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in news and media, showcasing its importance in expressing accountability and reflection on past events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be sorry

A more general expression of feeling regret or disappointment.

Be regretful

Directly expresses the state of feeling or being full of regret.

Feel remorse

Focuses on the feeling of guilt or moral distress arising from one's actions.

Have misgivings

Implies a sense of doubt or apprehension about something that has been done or is about to be done.

Lament

Suggests expressing sorrow or grief, often publicly or audibly.

Rue the day

Indicates a strong feeling of regret about a specific event or decision.

Repent

Signifies feeling remorse for one's sins or wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness.

Apologize

Involves expressing remorse and asking for forgiveness for an action.

Wish it undone

Expresses a desire to reverse or undo a past action or event.

Bemoan

Indicates expressing discontent or sorrow over something.

FAQs

How can I use "regret" in a sentence?

You can use "regret" as a noun or a verb. For example, "I have no "remorse" for my actions" (noun) or "I "rue" not studying harder" (verb).

What's the difference between "regret" and "remorse"?

"Regret" generally implies sorrow for an event, while "remorse" suggests a deeper moral anguish or guilt.

What can I say instead of "I regret"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I "am sorry"", "I "apologize"", or "I "wish I hadn't"".

Is it correct to say "I regret for doing something"?

No, it's generally incorrect. The correct usage is "I regret doing something" or "I regret that I did something".