come to regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come to regret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has realized they made a mistake or that they should have made a different decision. For example, "John came to regret taking out a loan with such a high interest rate".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(We'll  come to regret this).

Independent

Did she come to regret that?

The New York Times - Magazine

This they would come to regret.

The New York Times

Many would come to regret their support.

The New York Times

And we've come to regret that, historically".

The New Yorker

I think they'll come to regret it.

The Washington Post

I would come to regret certain decisions.

The New York Times

"You might come to regret it later.

The New York Times - Style

And all of us will come to regret it".

The Economist

By then, he had come to regret his past.

The New York Times - Books

But they may come to regret that choice.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to regret" to express a shift in perspective where a past decision is now viewed negatively. This implies a learning experience or a change in circumstances that alters the original assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "come to regret" when referring to immediate remorse. This phrase implies a realization that occurs later, not an instant reaction. Use "regret" or "immediately regret" for actions with instant negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to regret" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a future realization of regret. This indicates a change in perspective or circumstances that leads to remorse, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come to regret" is a common and grammatically correct verbal phrase used to express a future realization of regret about a past action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, serving to warn or predict future sorrow. While alternatives like "live to regret" or "later rue" exist, "come to regret" is a versatile choice for expressing a shift in perspective and is well-supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end up regretting

Focuses on the final outcome of regretting a previous action or decision.

later rue

Replaces "come to regret" with a more formal and concise expression of regret.

come to feel remorse for

Replaces "regret" with "feel remorse", highlighting the moral aspect of the regret.

live to regret

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the regret that will be experienced.

grow to deplore

Suggests a gradual development of strong disapproval and regret.

eventually lament

Substitutes "come to regret" with a more emotive term, "lament", suggesting a deeper sense of sorrow.

find oneself regretting

Highlights the inevitable nature of the regret that arises.

be sorry for later

Offers a simpler, more direct way of expressing future regret.

later be disappointed by

Emphasizes the feeling of disappointment that follows a decision.

in retrospect disapprove

Highlights the hindsight aspect, focusing on disapproving of a past decision.

FAQs

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

The phrase "come to regret" is used to express that someone will later feel sorry about something they are doing now, such as "You might "come to regret" that decision".

What are some alternatives to "come to regret"?

You can use alternatives like "live to regret", "later rue", or "end up regretting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "coming to regret"?

Yes, "coming to regret" is a valid progressive form of ""come to regret"", indicating a gradual realization of regret.

What is the difference between "regret" and "come to regret"?

"Regret" implies an immediate or current feeling of sorrow, while ""come to regret"" suggests a later realization and feeling of remorse about a past decision or action.