bitterly regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitterly regret" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to convey deep and intense regret, like in the following example: I bitterly regret not having taken my mother's advice before traveling abroad.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Ronald said: "I bitterly regret that".

The Guardian - Arts

I did something that I bitterly regret".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Many still bitterly regret the Soviet Union's disintegration.

The Economist

I bitterly regret not stopping it before I left office".

The Guardian

"We bitterly regret what happened this morning at both Paddington and King's Cross.

The Guardian - Business

It's adapted from a play – which I bitterly regret missing, twice.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

I bitterly regretted missing that.

The Washington Post

Yet he bitterly regretted what had become of the surrealists.

The Guardian - Music

Suspended by the network, Bashir issued an apology saying he "bitterly" regretted the "tasteless remark".

Independent

"He bitterly regrets getting into that car on that day," she said.

Independent

Brigadier Geoffrey Sheldon calls it an "isolated, tragic incident" that every member of the regiment "bitterly regrets".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitterly regret" to convey a strong sense of remorse, especially when discussing decisions that have had significant negative consequences. Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to express; if a milder term suffices, opt for a less dramatic alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "bitterly regret" for trivial matters. Overusing such a strong phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Save it for genuinely significant regrets.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitterly regret" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong feeling of remorse or disappointment about a past action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, demonstrating its role in conveying deep regret.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitterly regret" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a deep and intense sense of remorse. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct. It is most commonly found in News & Media, but also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where the regret is truly significant to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "deeply lament" or "have strong regrets" may be more appropriate for less severe situations. Remember, using "bitterly regret" effectively involves understanding its intensity and applying it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be filled with regret

Highlights the pervasive and overwhelming nature of the regret, suggesting it dominates one's thoughts and feelings.

have strong regrets

Indicates powerful feelings of remorse, but is less intense and dramatic than "bitterly regret".

feel remorseful

Focuses on the internal feeling of guilt and regret, rather than the outward expression of it.

deeply lament

Emphasizes a profound sense of sorrow and mourning over a past action or event, adding a layer of grief not always present in "bitterly regret".

lament the consequences

Directly expresses sorrow over the negative outcomes of a decision or action, rather than the action itself.

express deep sorrow

Emphasizes the feeling of profound sadness and sympathy for the consequences of an action.

sincerely deplore

Highlights a formal and earnest expression of disapproval and regret, suitable for official statements or serious reflections.

deplore the action

Highlights disapproval and condemnation of a specific action, carrying a more objective tone than personal regret.

rue the day

Evokes a sense of wishing a particular day had never occurred, often implying significant and lasting negative consequences.

feel a sense of loss

Shifts the focus to the feeling of deprivation or bereavement resulting from a past decision or event.

FAQs

How can I use "bitterly regret" in a sentence?

You can use "bitterly regret" to express a strong feeling of remorse about something you did or did not do. For instance, "I "bitterly regret" not taking the opportunity to travel when I was younger".

What are some alternatives to "bitterly regret"?

Alternatives include "deeply lament", "sincerely deplore", or "have strong regrets", depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "bitterly regret"?

Use "bitterly regret" when you want to emphasize a profound and intense feeling of remorse, particularly about decisions that have had serious negative outcomes. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences or trivial matters.

Is there a difference between "bitterly regret" and "deeply regret"?

"Bitterly regret" implies a more intense and painful feeling of remorse compared to "deeply regret". The choice depends on the strength of the emotion you wish to convey.