a regrettable error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regrettable error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that is unfortunate or causes disappointment. Example: "We acknowledge that there was a regrettable error in the report, and we are taking steps to correct it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It appears this was a regrettable error".

The Guardian - Sport

"It would seem," Stan said, "that there has been a regrettable error.

The New Yorker

Leicester will investigate a "regrettable error in judgement" by Jamie Vardy, after the England international was filmed allegedly using racist language in a casino.

Independent

"It was a regrettable error in judgement I take full responsibility for and I accept my behaviour was not up to what's expected of me".

Independent

Housing a possibly deranged and desperate man in a hotel room high above Seventh Avenue was not a regrettable error of judgment.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Unpaid work is totally opposed to the policy of the London Film School, the case in question constituting a regrettable error," the filmmaker said.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This was a deeply regrettable error and we are very sorry.

BBC

"This was a genuine and regrettable error," a Channel 4 spokesperson said.

Independent

That was a regrettable mistake, but hardly tells the story.

The New York Times

You might want to quit, but that's a regrettable mistake.

WikiHow

In a statement, Mr. Rather said: "I made an embarrassing and regrettable error in judgment by going to this event.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a regrettable error" when acknowledging a mistake and expressing a sense of disappointment or regret. It is suitable for formal and professional contexts.

Common error

While "a regrettable error" is appropriate in certain situations, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language with synonyms like "an unfortunate mistake" or "a lamentable oversight" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regrettable error" functions as a noun phrase, where "regrettable" modifies the noun "error". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it's used to acknowledge mistakes with a tone of disappointment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a regrettable error" is a grammatically sound phrase used to acknowledge mistakes with disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for formal settings like news reports and business communications. While not incorrect, overuse should be avoided by varying language with synonyms. Its communicative purpose is to convey accountability and a commitment to improvement, making it a useful phrase in professional and official contexts. While it has a neutral-to-formal register, usage patterns show its primary context lies in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfortunate mistake

Replaces "regrettable" with "unfortunate", focusing on the negative consequence.

a lamentable error

Substitutes "regrettable" with "lamentable", emphasizing sorrow or grief.

a regrettable mistake

Uses the synonym "mistake" for "error", providing a slightly different emphasis.

an unfortunate oversight

Replaces "error" with "oversight", suggesting negligence or inattention.

a regrettable oversight

Combines "regrettable" with "oversight", focusing on negligence.

a regrettable lapse

Uses "lapse" instead of "error", indicating a temporary failure in judgment or conduct.

a regrettable misjudgment

Replaces "error" with "misjudgment", highlighting a flaw in decision-making.

a regrettable blunder

Substitutes "error" with "blunder", implying a clumsy or careless mistake.

a regrettable slip-up

Uses "slip-up" instead of "error", suggesting a minor and unintentional mistake.

a regrettable indiscretion

Replaces "error" with "indiscretion", focusing on a lack of discretion or good judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "a regrettable error" in a sentence?

You can use "a regrettable error" to acknowledge a mistake or oversight. For example, "We acknowledge that there was "a regrettable error" in the report, and we are taking steps to correct it."

What phrases are similar to "a regrettable error"?

Alternatives include "an unfortunate mistake", "a lamentable error", or "an unfortunate oversight".

When is it appropriate to use "a regrettable error"?

It's best to use "a regrettable error" in formal or professional settings when you want to acknowledge a mistake with a tone of disappointment or regret. It shows accountability and a commitment to correcting the issue.

Is "a regrettable error" the same as "a regrettable mistake"?

Yes, "a regrettable error" and "a regrettable mistake" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the specific context.