although regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a situation or outcome that is unfortunate while introducing a contrasting point or perspective. Example: "Although regrettable, the decision to cancel the event was necessary for the safety of all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Martin Baggs, the chief executive of Thames Water, said: "Imposing restrictions on the use of hosepipes, although regrettable, is the most sensible and responsible next step in encouraging everyone to use less water so we can maintain supplies for as long as it stays dry, and reduce the risk of more serious restrictions later in the year".

The Guardian

Be honest, I don't look at all like the head of the PTA, do I?" "Then, later, when Police Chief Gates said that the beating, although regrettable, could be the vehicle that would get me on the road to the good life, everything became clear.

University of Chicago

However, the allocated period for the implementation of these additional elements by the Autonomic Communities expired in February 2009 and, although regrettable, this has allowed us time to formally reflect on the views and opinions of our Tutors, the results of which may hopefully be taken into count in their final deliberations.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The food itself was generally exemplary, although there were regrettable lapses there, too.

The New York Times

Gay rights advocates praised the law, while a watchdog group, SOS Homophobie, said that France "has taken a great step forward today, although it is regrettable that it was taken in a climate of bad faith and homophobic violence".

The New York Times

Ms. Immergut said that "although it is regrettable that the new information" about the fingerprint "came to light just now, I can assure you that we moved immediately to remedy the situation".

The New York Times

MIKE BROST Shorewood, Wis., July 3, 2012 Although it is regrettable that most major acts of legislation now require a filibuster-proof 60 percent vote in the Senate, the idea that a "supermajority" should be required to make radical changes in American democracy does have some merit.

The New York Times

Re "Death Toll Rises in Egyptian Bombings" (front page, July 24) and "5 Shots in a Train Car Leave Londoners Shaken" (front page, July 23): As the tragic events in London and Egypt unfold, it is not surprising, although it is regrettable, that frightened and worried people who see themselves as potential victims may react with sweeping condemnations of entire ethnic or religious groups.

The New York Times

Although it was regrettable that students could not be given a choice of debate topics, it was considered important to limit the degree of variability between each group.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

The acting is mostly regrettable, although Evans wisely chooses to underplay his increasingly ludicrous (and overwritten) role, which helps keep the engine running even when it threatens to sputter.

Los Angeles Times

And although politicians' pusillanimity is regrettable, it is not up to unelected central bankers to punish them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although regrettable" to acknowledge a negative aspect before presenting a more positive or balanced perspective. This softens the impact of bad news and allows for a more nuanced argument.

Common error

Avoid using "although regrettable" in very informal conversations. Simpler phrases like "it's a shame" or "that's too bad" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although regrettable" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a concession. It modifies the main clause by acknowledging an undesirable aspect while setting up a contrasting idea. Ludwig AI identifies this as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although regrettable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a contrasting element after acknowledging an unfortunate situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, and its purpose is to soften negative information or present a balanced view. Alternatives include "though unfortunate" and "albeit disappointing". While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in extremely informal settings. Its frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian solidifies its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though unfortunate

This alternative is more concise and slightly less formal.

albeit disappointing

This alternative emphasizes the disappointment aspect more strongly.

while regrettable

This alternative has a similar meaning, but shifts the emphasis slightly.

while it is unfortunate

This option directly states the unfortunate nature of the situation.

however disappointing it may be

This is a longer alternative emphasizing the level of disappointment.

even though it's a pity

This option is more informal and conversational.

though it is a shame

This alternative is similar in tone to "although regrettable" but uses different wording.

even if it's undesirable

This option focuses on the undesirable aspect.

despite its being a setback

This alternative frames the situation as a setback.

notwithstanding its unpleasantness

This is a more formal and emphatic alternative.

FAQs

How to use "although regrettable" in a sentence?

Use "although regrettable" to acknowledge an unfortunate situation before introducing a contrasting or mitigating factor. For example, "Although regrettable, the delay allowed for further testing."

What can I say instead of "although regrettable"?

You can use alternatives like "though unfortunate", "albeit disappointing", or "while regrettable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "although regrettable" or "although regrettably"?

"Although regrettable" is correct. "Regrettable" is an adjective describing the situation, whereas "regrettably" is an adverb and wouldn't fit grammatically in this phrase.

What's the difference between "although regrettable" and "however unfortunate"?

"Although regrettable" and "however unfortunate" are similar. However, "although regrettable" often implies a more formal or slightly apologetic tone, while "however unfortunate" may simply acknowledge the negative aspect without the same level of remorse.