acknowledge with regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledge with regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing sorrow or disappointment about a situation or decision, often in formal communication. Example: "We must acknowledge with regret that we are unable to fulfill your request at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The families, having suffered such dreadful loss, were plunged into a legal system which, Judge acknowledged with regret, had been "unbearable, dispiriting and prolonged".

The Guardian - Sport

In his speech in Cairo, President Obama acknowledged with regret the U.S. role "in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian government" in 1953.

Huffington Post

Mr. Mulkins acknowledged this with regret.

The New York Times

Bigelow's diffidence is something she acknowledges with wryness and regret.

The Guardian - Film

Edward J. Snowden, a 29-year-old former employee of a government contracting firm, acknowledged with no apparent regrets that he was responsible for providing journalists at the Guardian and the Washington Post with evidence of what he called an "architecture of oppression".

Los Angeles Times

We acknowledge and regret that change may be painful for individuals within the company.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he refuses to acknowledge that he regrets anything.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Dubin acknowledged some regret over Martek's decision to aggressively expand its production capabilities.

The New York Times

Written with the intention of acknowledging past regrets within relationships, the track required me to be honest with other individuals but mostly to be honest with myself.

Vice

Although Ayık acknowledged the Kurds' regret, he seemed unwilling to relinquish his caution.

The New Yorker

Acknowledging some regrets, Mr. Moe said he was angriest about overpaying for Groupon, saying, "Yeah, I blew Groupon".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acknowledge with regret", ensure the context is formal and requires a degree of empathy. This phrase is most effective when conveying bad news or admitting a mistake with sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "acknowledge with regret" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Opt for simpler expressions of regret in less formal settings to maintain authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acknowledge with regret" functions as a performative utterance, specifically an expression of apology or admission combined with a degree of remorse. It is used to formally recognize a situation or fact while simultaneously conveying regret about it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acknowledge with regret" is a formal phrase used to express sorrow or disappointment while recognizing a situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct but relatively infrequent. It is best suited for formal contexts where empathy and responsibility are important. When writing, ensure it's used sparingly to maintain its impact and consider simpler alternatives for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acknowledge with sadness

Replaces "regret" with "sadness", keeping the acknowledgment but focusing on the feeling of sadness.

Acknowledge with disappointment

Substitutes "regret" with "disappointment" to express a milder form of sorrow.

Regretfully admit

Inverts the structure, starting with "regretfully" and using "admit" to show reluctant acknowledgment.

Recognize with sadness

Replaces "acknowledge" with "recognize" and "regret" with "sadness", focusing on recognizing a sorrowful situation.

Sadly recognize

Combines "sadly" with "recognize" to convey a sorrowful recognition of a fact or situation.

Admit with disappointment

Uses "admit" instead of "acknowledge" to highlight the act of conceding something, coupled with the feeling of disappointment.

Acknowledge with remorse

Substitutes "regret" with "remorse", to intensify feelings of sorrow and guilt.

Concede with sorrow

Emphasizes yielding a point or fact, accompanied by a feeling of sorrow, instead of regret.

Acknowledge with reluctance

Replaces "regret" with "reluctance", indicating that the acknowledgment is made unwillingly.

Lamentably acknowledge

Combines "lamentably", indicating mournfulness, with "acknowledge" for a more emphatic expression of sorrowful recognition.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "acknowledge with regret"?

Use "acknowledge with regret" in formal situations where you need to express sorrow or disappointment about a particular fact or situation. It's suitable for professional communications, official statements, or when addressing sensitive topics.

What are some alternatives to "acknowledge with regret"?

You can use alternatives such as "recognize with sadness", "admit with disappointment", or "regretfully admit" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "acknowledge with regret" differ from simply saying "I regret"?

"Acknowledge with regret" is more formal and often used when admitting something on behalf of an organization or group. Saying "I regret" is a more personal expression of remorse.

Is "acknowledge with regret" suitable for informal communication?

No, "acknowledge with regret" is generally too formal for informal communication. In casual contexts, simpler phrases like "I'm sorry to say" or "Unfortunately" are more appropriate.