The phrase "a note of contrition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing remorse or regret, often in a formal or literary context.
Example: "In his letter, he included a note of contrition for his past mistakes."
Alternatives: "an expression of regret" or "a statement of remorse."
Mr. Ackman sounded a note of contrition, saying that his firm's investment in Penney had been a "failure".
He also was quick to strike a note of contrition when the trading losses spun out of control last year.
Despite starting out on a note of contrition, he couldn't prevent himself from reverting to his usual mode, which is cocky and combative.
REUTERS Ackman Acknowledges Mistakess' in a Letter to Investors | William A. Ackman sounded a note of contrition in a letter to shareholders, saying that his firm's investment in J.C. Penney has been a "failure".
DealBook » For Activist Fund's Chief, a Sober Self-Evaluation | William A. Ackman sounded a note of contrition in a letter to investors, saying that Pershing Square Capital Management's investment in J. C. Penney had been a "failure".
Should Fannie and Freddie sound a note of contrition for their own role in the implosion of the mortgage market, it could complicate a separate but similar lawsuit playing out in Washington.
Using the high-profile platform to strike a note of measured contrition, Abe insisted that Japan must not avert its eyes from the suffering of Asian people from its wartime behavior but stopped short of issuing his own apology, instead upholding statements by his predecessors.
He was trying to interpret Fiachra's tone whether it contained a buried note of contrition or at least an awareness of his having, from Bobby's perspective, rejected him for Jess.
Mr. Dimon, striking a brief note of contrition, conceded, "It was dead wrong".
At the same time, these corporate sensitivities are useful as obstacles that Sorkin throws in the path of his writing proxy, Matt, who worries in the second episode, as airtime approaches, that he doesn't have a "cold open" — the show's first sketch, which has to strike a perfect note of historical awareness, contrition, and impudence.
