even though regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even though regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a situation or outcome that is unfortunate while still recognizing its existence or validity. Example: "The decision to cut funding was difficult, even though regrettable, it was necessary for the project's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, there was the use of the slur, regrettable even though he did so ostensibly to demonstrate a point about the limits of racial understanding.

The New York Times - Arts

(Even though I still consider it regrettable that I was never able to wish you a happy birthday when you were alive, as we only shared the planet for three short years).

Huffington Post

Over the years, there has been an understandable though regrettable tendency to give every umpire, even the least competent, the opportunity to work a World Series.

The New York Times

All this to say that, even though Bushdid et al. made regrettable methodological mistakes, the existence of a relatively simple and well-bounded solution to the problem of trichromatic vision does not guarantee the existence of similar solutions to the problem of color vision in general, or to olfaction.

eLife

The switch in strategy is understandable, though regrettable.

The New York Times

Opposition from Iran, though regrettable, is to be expected.

The Economist

It would be even more regrettable if they were to return to picking winners.

The Economist

Albert Evans as the Prince of Verona is even more regrettable; his appearances are mercifully brief, yet his slow-motion portentous gestures still manage to be giggle-worthy.

The New York Times - Arts

But even more regrettable is the long-term damage to the credibility of the I.R.S. as an impartial arbiter of whether organizations merit tax-exempt status.

The New York Times

Oil spills are to be anticipated, frequent though regrettable by-products of petrochemical exploration.

Huffington Post

There is no regrettable incident, apart from throwing away some fresh coffee by mistake, no darkness even though every chapter was written in the dark.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even though regrettable" when you want to acknowledge an unfortunate situation but need to proceed or consider something else. It's effective in formal writing where you want to show awareness of a downside while still moving forward.

Common error

Avoid using "even though regrettable" as a substitute for a direct apology. It is better used to introduce a contrasting fact or decision after acknowledging the regret. For a direct apology, use phrases like "I regret" or "I apologize".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even though regrettable" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It connects two clauses, indicating that the second clause is true despite the circumstance mentioned in the first clause, which is considered unfortunate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even though regrettable" is a grammatically correct concessive conjunction phrase used to acknowledge an unfortunate situation while introducing a contrasting element. Ludwig AI confirms this. While it can add a degree of formality to your writing, it is important to use it appropriately and not as a standalone apology. Because of the limited number of examples available, it is considered to have a missing frequency. Consider alternative phrases like "although unfortunate" or "despite being regrettable" depending on the context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though it is regrettable

Simple and more direct rephrasing of the same idea.

although unfortunate

Swaps "regrettable" for its synonym "unfortunate" for an alternative phrasing.

even if unfortunate

Replaces "though" with "if", which subtly changes the emphasis from concession to condition.

while unfortunate

Uses "while" to connect the unfortunate aspect, indicating concurrence.

despite being regrettable

Rephrases the original expression using "despite being", focusing on the action.

however regrettable it might be

Adds a degree of uncertainty or possibility to the regret.

regrettable as it may be

Inverts the structure for emphasis on the regret itself.

notwithstanding its regrettable nature

Formally acknowledges the regrettable aspect while introducing a contrasting element.

in spite of its regrettable aspect

Highlights a contrasting condition concerning the regrettable part.

even with the regret

This phrase shifts the focus slightly to the feeling of regret itself.

FAQs

How can I use "even though regrettable" in a sentence?

You can use "even though regrettable" to acknowledge an unfortunate aspect while introducing a contrasting element or decision. For example, "Even though regrettable, the budget cuts were necessary to ensure the company's long-term survival".

What are some alternatives to "even though regrettable"?

Some alternatives include "although unfortunate", "even if unfortunate", or "despite being regrettable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "even though regrettable" formal or informal?

"Even though regrettable" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, you might opt for simpler phrases like "even though it's a shame" or "even though it's unfortunate".

What is the difference between "even though regrettable" and "although regrettable"?

The difference is subtle. "Even though regrettable" implies that the regrettable aspect exists despite something else, while "although regrettable" simply acknowledges the regret. They are largely interchangeable.