a touch of regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a slight feeling of sadness or remorse about a situation or decision. Example: "As she looked back on her choices, she felt a touch of regret for not pursuing her passion earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When the test drive was over, I gave the big yellow taxi back with a touch of regret.

The New York Times

A touch of regret arrived with more breadsticks when the talk turned to the loss of old comrades.

The New York Times

They may harbour a touch of regret that they did not put a shaky Celtic defence under more concerted pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

But he was quick to add, with a touch of regret, "Russia will be left without its own airplanes".

The New York Times

When asked if those events were now tinged with a touch of regret, Wenger said: "I don't go into the game thinking that.

Independent

But I am a tiger who can't be a vegetarian!' " The human Mao, like the human Jiang Qing, has been lost to history, a development Anchee regards with both relief and a touch of regret.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The new film, like its predecessor, is rich in malapropism ("A total laughing stick"), and Stiller even conjures a touch of sweet regret when Derek, landing in Rome, encounters his former rival, Hansel (Owen Wilson), and finds the good grace to admit, "I miss not knowing things with you".

The New Yorker

For me, the news comes with a real touch of regret.

Forbes

His tone, with its mid-Atlantic edge, is full of sorrow, regret, a touch of defiance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Frechette, a veteran of Greenberg plays, brings an anchoring sense of brotherly warmth to the proceedings and a touching note of regret for a life unlived.

The New York Times

And given his track record, and the situation in France, he added the elegant touch of regret.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of regret" to subtly express a feeling without sounding overly dramatic or sorrowful. It's ideal for nuanced situations where the speaker or writer wants to acknowledge a past action or decision without dwelling on it.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of regret" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and dilute its impact. Opt for synonyms or more descriptive language to convey a wider range of emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of regret" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "felt a touch of regret"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing a mild sentiment of remorse or sadness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a touch of regret" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a mild feeling of sadness or remorse. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriateness across different registers, although it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While "a touch of regret" is versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "a hint of remorse" or "a tinge of sadness" to maintain variety and impact. Remember to use the phrase in situations where a subtle expression of regret is desired, avoiding stronger or more dramatic alternatives when a lighter tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trace of regret

Highlights the subtle presence of the emotion, indicating that it is barely noticeable.

a whisper of remorse

Uses "whisper" to further soften and reduce the intensity of the feeling, making it more subtle.

a faint pang of regret

Replaces "touch" with "pang", which suggests a more sudden, though still mild, feeling of regret.

a slight feeling of remorse

Replaces "touch" with "slight" which may express a more subdued expression.

a hint of remorse

Emphasizes the feeling of guilt or responsibility for wrongdoing, making it slightly stronger.

a modicum of regret

Replaces "touch" with "modicum" which may express a more subdued expression.

a tinge of sadness

Focuses more on the emotion of sadness rather than regret specifically.

a soupçon of regret

Uses "soupçon" to convey a very small, almost imperceptible amount of regret, derived from French.

a shade of disappointment

Highlights the feeling of being let down or unfulfilled.

a mild sense of loss

Centers on the feeling of losing something, which can be broader than regret.

FAQs

How can I use "a touch of regret" in a sentence?

You can use "a touch of regret" to express a mild feeling of sadness or remorse about something. For example, "She felt "a touch of regret" for not spending more time with her family."

What are some alternatives to "a touch of regret"?

Alternatives include "a hint of remorse", "a tinge of sadness", or "a shade of disappointment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a touch of regret" in formal writing?

Yes, "a touch of regret" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its subtlety makes it versatile for various contexts.

What's the difference between "a touch of regret" and "deep remorse"?

"A touch of regret" indicates a mild, fleeting feeling, while "deep remorse" signifies a strong, profound sense of guilt and sorrow. The former is less intense and more understated.