beginning to regret

USAGE SUMMARY

"beginning to regret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to express that someone is feeling remorse or regret for something they have done or said previously. For example: After being scolded for staying up late, she was beginning to regret her decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I'm beginning to regret that I ever invited her in.

The Guardian - Books

(At this point, I'm beginning to regret starting off with a "shitter metaphor").

The New Yorker

Are you beginning to regret making the trip?" "Of course not," I replied haughtily.

The New York Times - Travel

Many judges are beginning to regret their decision to seek a judgeship in the first place.

The New York Times

The answer, she freely admits, is that she is beginning to regret not having married and had children.

The New York Times

The amount of time I've wasted on his nonsense means I'm beginning to regret launching this prize.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A few crew members began to regret taking the job.

The New Yorker

He began to regret having burned his diploma.

The New Yorker

After the trial, Glover began to regret his decision to testify and to plead guilty.

The New Yorker

But when the writer got orders for another assignment, he began to regret his pettiness.

The New Yorker

But all the same, I began to regret that I had come to this conference.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beginning to regret", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or decision is being regretted. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "beginning to regret" can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "starting to have second thoughts" or "questioning my decision" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to regret" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual onset of remorse or disappointment over a past action or decision. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beginning to regret" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys the initial stages of remorse or second-guessing. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, though synonyms might offer increased variety in formal writing. It appears most often in news and media, and has a neutral formality level, which according to the AI analysis makes it suitable for general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to regret

Slightly different verb tense; focuses more on the initiation of regret.

coming to regret

Highlights the process of gradually feeling regret.

starting to have second thoughts

Emphasizes the reconsideration aspect rather than direct regret.

wishing I hadn't

More direct and personal expression of regret.

having misgivings

Implies a sense of doubt or apprehension after a decision.

second-guessing

Focuses on questioning a decision, implying potential regret.

developing doubts

Highlights the gradual onset of uncertainty and potential regret.

feeling remorseful

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of regret.

questioning my decision

Focuses on the act of re-evaluating a choice, suggesting potential regret.

getting cold feet

Idiomatic expression indicating anxiety and reluctance, hinting at regret.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning to regret" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning to regret" to express a feeling of remorse or second-guessing an action or decision. For example, "After missing the deadline, I was beginning to regret procrastinating."

What's a more formal alternative to "beginning to regret"?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "coming to reconsider", "having misgivings about", or "starting to question my decision". These options often convey a more thoughtful and considered tone.

Which is more appropriate, "beginning to regret" or "starting to regret"?

Both "beginning to regret" and "starting to regret" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "beginning to regret" and "already regretting"?

"Beginning to regret" implies that the feeling of regret is just starting to develop, while "already regretting" suggests that the feeling is well-established. The former describes the onset of regret, and the latter describes its current state.