but regretfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but regretfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of sorrow or disappointment about a situation or decision. Example: "I must decline your invitation, but regretfully, I have prior commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But, regretfully, the conditions have not ripened yet.

The New York Times

The editor expressed interest but regretfully told me that there were simply too many complaints to publish.

The New York Times

But: "Regretfully, that information was not fully communicated throughout the care team," the hospital's chief quality officer said.

The New Yorker

"I agree with the premise, but regretfully," she says of the sprawl study's finding that people walk less in the suburbs.

The New York Times

In the course of the negotiations, we touched on the most sensitive of nerves -- both ours and the Palestinians -- but regretfully, without result.

The New York Times

In a sharp blue puffy vest and perfectly fitting jeans, he was walking purposefully but regretfully toward the elevator, telling his friend how much he loved that one jacket, but the fit just wasn't quite right.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But gone regretfully are the days when friends would gather in back gardens to take turns at peering through the family telescope and manning the outside grill.

The Economist

Mrs. Loveys explained that they like George W. Bush but added regretfully, "You know, he was involved in that banking scandal a few years ago".

The New York Times

Starbucks has complied with all the tax laws in this country but has regretfully not been as profitable as we would have liked".

The Guardian - Business

(Her dad says he never physically abused Skylar but adds, regretfully, that he was a tyrant who yelled too much).

Forbes

Meanwhile, the technology for increased solar and wind power is available now but is regretfully under-utilized.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but regretfully" to soften a statement where you express disappointment or disagree, showing consideration for the other party's feelings. It adds a touch of formality and politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "but regretfully" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but unfortunately" or "but sadly" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but regretfully" primarily functions as a conjunction adverbial phrase. It connects two contrasting ideas while expressing a feeling of regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI identifies that this expression introduces a sense of reluctance before presenting an opposing point or unfavorable outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but regretfully" serves as a conjunction adverbial phrase, used to connect contrasting ideas while expressing regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and functions to soften negative news or disagreements with politeness. It is commonly used in news and media, formal business settings, and Wikipedia, conveying a neutral to formal register. While being usable and correct, the phrase can be alternated with synonyms to enrich the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but I must regretfully

Rephrases the original phrase with a slightly different structure, emphasizing the necessity of the regret.

but unfortunately

Indicates a situation is not as desired or expected, similar to "but regretfully" but lacks the emotional nuance of regret.

but sadly

Conveys a sense of sorrow or unhappiness, similar to "but regretfully" when expressing disappointment.

but alas

A more dramatic or literary way to express regret or disappointment.

however, with regret

More formal and explicitly states the feeling of regret.

but with disappointment

Emphasizes the feeling of disappointment rather than the regret itself.

but to my chagrin

Indicates embarrassment or annoyance at having failed or been disappointed.

but to my dismay

Highlights surprise and disappointment.

but with reservations

Expresses hesitance or uncertainty alongside disappointment.

but I am sorry to say

A more direct and personal expression of regret.

FAQs

How can I use "but regretfully" in a sentence?

The phrase "but regretfully" is used to express disappointment or reluctance while introducing a contrasting statement. For example: "I would love to attend, but regretfully, I have another engagement."

What can I say instead of "but regretfully"?

You can use alternatives like "but unfortunately", "but sadly", or "however with regret" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "but regretfully"?

Yes, the phrase "but regretfully" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a sense of disappointment or reluctance before introducing a contrasting point.

What is the difference between "but regretfully" and "but unfortunately"?

"But regretfully" emphasizes a personal feeling of sorrow or disappointment, while "but unfortunately" simply states that something is not as desired without necessarily implying personal regret. The first has a higher emotional nuance.