a regrettable incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regrettable incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that is unfortunate or causes disappointment. Example: "The company issued a public apology for a regrettable incident that occurred during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"This was a regrettable incident.

Independent

The snowstorm was a regrettable incident.

The New York Times

"This was a regrettable incident, but let's hope it's over".

The Guardian

"The whole thing is a regrettable incident, and I wish it hadn't happened," Mr. Augenbraum said.

The New York Times - Books

"This was a regrettable incident and any incident like this is one too many.

Independent

He called accident "a regrettable incident," and said the company would not comment further on it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We don't know what the circumstances are just yet, but obviously this is a very regrettable incident".

The Guardian

"It was a very regrettable incident.

BBC

"This is a tragic and regrettable incident, but the soldier perceived a credible threat," the spokesman, Maj.

The New York Times

"I call on people to cooperate and respect drivers and government officials... to avoid any regrettable incidents," transportation secretary Miguel Torres said.

The Guardian

That was an awful and regrettable incident.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a regrettable incident", ensure the context clearly explains what the incident was and why it is considered regrettable. Providing specific details helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a regrettable incident" as a vague or generic term. If you don't specify what the incident is, the phrase loses its meaning and can sound insincere. Always provide enough context for the reader to understand the nature of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regrettable incident" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically follows a verb like "was", "is", or "occurred", as shown by Ludwig. The phrase serves to identify or describe a particular event that is considered unfortunate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a regrettable incident" is a noun phrase used to acknowledge and downplay negative events. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The expression is most common in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When employing this phrase, providing sufficient context is essential to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "an unfortunate event" or "an unhappy occurrence" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, while useful, the phrase should be used judiciously and with appropriate context to ensure clarity and sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfortunate event

Replaces "regrettable" with "unfortunate" offering a slightly less formal tone.

an unhappy occurrence

Substitutes both words for synonyms, creating a slightly different emotional tone.

an unfortunate situation

Shifts focus from the incident itself to the broader context of the situation.

a lamentable event

Uses "lamentable" for a more formal and sorrowful tone.

a deplorable occurrence

Replaces "regrettable" with "deplorable", indicating stronger disapproval.

an unwelcome development

Suggests the incident was not anticipated or desired.

a source of disappointment

Focuses on the feeling caused by the incident rather than the incident itself.

an error in judgment

Specifies that the incident resulted from poor decision-making.

a mishap

Offers a more casual and less serious way to describe the incident.

a setback

Indicates the incident has caused a delay or impediment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a regrettable incident" to describe an unfortunate event or occurrence. For example, "The cancellation of the event was "a regrettable incident" for all involved."

What can I say instead of "a regrettable incident"?

You can use alternatives like "an unfortunate event", "an unhappy occurrence", or "an unfortunate situation" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific about an incident rather than calling it "a regrettable incident"?

In many cases, yes. While ""a regrettable incident"" can be a useful way to acknowledge an issue, being specific provides clarity and demonstrates a willingness to address the problem directly. However, it depends on the sensitivity of the situation.

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

It is appropriate when you want to acknowledge something negative has occurred without going into excessive detail, perhaps to protect privacy or avoid further complications. It's often used in formal statements or apologies.