a regret for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regret for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing feelings of sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened or a decision that was made. Example: "She felt a deep regret for not pursuing her dreams earlier in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Responsibility but not a regret for removing Saddam Hussein," he said, to cries of: "What, no regrets?" Mr Blair added: "I think he was a monster.

Independent

Asked at the end of six hours of testimony by inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot, whether he had any regrets, he said: "Responsibility but not a regret for removing Saddam Hussein.

Independent

But, as Dharker itemises the chaos in nature resulting from her quarrel with Oberon, you see a tear slowly falling from her eyes: it is as if she feels a regret for mankind that "this same progeny of evils comes from our debate".

The Guardian

Insincere apologies often express a regret for being caught, rather than actual remorse.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They rejected both an expression of "regret" and an "apology for humanity's sake".

The Economist

The database cost constitutes a regret term for too short datasets and fades away for long sequences, while the flag cost increases linearly with the length of the dataset thus constituting a constant regret term for the number of classes.

Plosone

At the end of our week this summer, we felt a deeper regret for leaving, as if we were walking away from a friend.

Los Angeles Times

"This is a big regret for me," she said of her unusual and isolated freshman year.

The New York Times - Sports

"Some of us find it incredibly hard to be parents, but live with a deep regret for having left our child," says Kahr.

The Guardian - Books

No, though it may evince a certain regret for bygone birthday parties.

Huffington Post

Philip, who was in Brussels, wrote to his sister Joan: "I felt a reasonable regret for her death".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a regret for", clarify the subject or event causing the regret. This provides context and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "a regret for" in situations that require a stronger expression of remorse or guilt. For situations needing emphasis, consider using "deep remorse" or "profound regret" instead. Be aware of its usage to ensure that the intensity matches the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regret for" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a feeling of sorrow, disappointment, or remorse related to a specific event, action, or inaction. It is used to convey a sense of longing or sadness about something in the past.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a regret for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express feelings of sorrow or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and desired emotional intensity when choosing this phrase. Similar alternatives like "remorse over" or "sorrow for" may provide a more precise nuance. Remember to use the phrase in situations where it effectively communicates the intended sense of longing or sadness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remorse over

Focuses specifically on feelings of guilt and sorrow for past actions.

sorrow for

Emphasizes sadness and grief related to a particular event or situation.

lamenting

Implies a more public or expressive display of grief and regret.

feeling contrite about

Highlights a sense of guilt and a desire to make amends.

rueing

Suggests bitterness and frustration about a past decision or event.

being apologetic for

Focuses on expressing regret and seeking forgiveness.

having misgivings about

Suggests a sense of doubt and unease about a past action or decision.

a sense of loss regarding

Emphasizes the feeling of something valuable being gone or unattainable.

deploring

Expresses strong disapproval and regret about something.

nostalgia for

Highlights a longing for a past time or experience, often tinged with sadness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a regret for" to express sorrow or disappointment about something. For example, "She expressed "a regret for" not pursuing her dreams earlier."

What phrases are similar to "a regret for"?

Similar phrases include "remorse over", "sorrow for", or "lamenting", each carrying a slightly different emotional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "a regret for"?

While grammatically correct, "a regret for" might not be suitable for situations needing a stronger emotional expression. Consider alternative phrases like "deep remorse" or "profound regret" in such cases.

What's the difference between "a regret for" and "remorse over"?

"A regret for" generally conveys sadness or disappointment, while "remorse over" specifically implies a feeling of guilt and sorrow for a wrongdoing.