collection of regrets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collection of regrets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gathering or accumulation of past mistakes or feelings of remorse. Example: "As she reflected on her life, she realized she had built a collection of regrets that weighed heavily on her heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, the sample size was driven by the primary purpose of the survey (data collection on regret), and not by a power analysis related to the comparison of numbered and non-numbered envelopes; as a result the size of the second (non-numbered) group was comparatively low.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

In his debut collection of essays, Regret (Lettered Streets Press, 2014), author Ryan Spooner explores these assumptions with gentle regard, subtle self-consciousness, and a wholly new type of investigation into masculinity.

Huffington Post

It doesn't help that David Halpert himself can seem less a fully realized character than a collection of memories, longings, regrets and spare dialogue that hints, not always convincingly, at greater depths.

The New York Times - Books

The #MeToo movement has magnified the voices of women, but two recent Opinion articles explored the effects of the movement on men: "Eight Stories of Men's Regret," a collection of short essays from male readers about past sexual encounters, and "#IAmSexist," an essay by George Yancy in The Stone series that asks men to take responsibility for their part in perpetuating violence against women.

The New York Times

We also had this cheery headline in The Guardian on Christmas Eve: "Could rationing hold the key to today's food crises?" On both occasions I regretted ending my collection of Questions to Which the Answer is No.

Independent

And what of regrets?

The New York Times

My spiel of regrets".

The New Yorker

I have lots of regrets.

The Guardian - Travel

I have a lot of regrets.

BBC

An exhibit of regrets.

Huffington Post

Calendar of Regrets by Lance Olsen.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "collection of regrets", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a personal accumulation or a more general, abstract concept. Clarity enhances impact.

Common error

Avoid using "collection of regrets" lightly. Its gravitas suggests deep reflection and significant life events, not minor daily annoyances. Overusing it diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collection of regrets" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement within a sentence. It describes a set or accumulation of feelings of sorrow or disappointment over past events or decisions. Because of the lack of examples, we can't rely on Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "collection of regrets" is a grammatically correct but less common noun phrase used to describe an accumulation of feelings of remorse or disappointment. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and the lack of widespread usage suggests it is better suited for reflective or introspective contexts where a more formal tone is appropriate. While alternatives exist to convey similar meanings, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. The absence of real-world examples affects the analysis of usage patterns and frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accumulation of remorse

Replaces "collection" with "accumulation" and "regrets" with "remorse", altering the tone slightly.

Catalog of past mistakes

Substitutes "collection" with "catalog", emphasizing a listing or record of errors instead of emotional suffering.

Inventory of disappointments

Uses "inventory" instead of "collection", focusing more on the assessment and overview of failures.

A history of lamentations

Replaces "collection of regrets" with a phrase implying a long record of sorrowful expressions.

A reservoir of sorrows

Implies a deep accumulation of sadness, shifting the focus from specific regrets to a general state of sorrow.

Legacy of missed opportunities

Shifts the focus from direct regrets to the consequences of inaction or failures to seize chances.

Repertoire of unfortunate choices

Presents the regrets as a set of options or decisions that led to negative outcomes.

My anthology of failures

Replaces collection with anthology. More literary than literal.

My book of blunders

Replaces collection with book and focuses on the errors.

My stock of remorse

Replaces collection with stock, emphasizing the amount of emotional suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "collection of regrets" in a sentence?

You might say, "As she looked back on her career, she found herself facing a "collection of regrets" over projects left unfinished" or "His "collection of regrets" grew with each passing year, a constant reminder of chances missed."

What are some alternatives to "collection of regrets"?

Consider using "accumulation of remorse", "catalog of past mistakes", or "inventory of disappointments" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "collection of regrets" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "collection of regrets" is not as frequently used as simpler phrases like "many regrets" or "some regrets". Its impact lies in its slightly more formal and reflective tone.

What kind of writing is "collection of regrets" best suited for?

Given its reflective nature, "collection of regrets" is well-suited for introspective writing, such as memoirs, character studies, or philosophical essays. Its formality makes it less appropriate for casual conversation.