express regret for

USAGE SUMMARY

"express regret for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express regret for something you've done or for something someone else has done. For example: "I express regret for my careless mistake and apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He used that opportunity to express regret for that policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I express regret for my personal failure," he added.

The New York Times

It asks these conservative bishops to desist and "express regret for the consequences of their actions".

The New York Times

In addition future editions will express regret for "any unintentional harm" to them.

The New York Times - Arts

Meanwhile juror B37 appeared to express regret for pursuing a book deal.

The Guardian

In interviews, senior Bloomberg and Cuomo aides did not express regret for keeping the residents in place.

The New York Times

Clinton did not reference Powell in her remarks at the forum, choosing instead to express regret for her actions.

The Guardian

In the past eight months, I have never heard anybody express regret for voting for Donald Trump.

The New Yorker

America's secretary of state, John Kerry, called India's national security adviser, Shivshankar Menon, to express regret for the way the arrest was handled.

The Economist

At a minimum, human decency should have led Sarah Palin to express regret for the dog whistle she directed against Gabrielle Giffords, among others.

The New Yorker

It has taken 23 years for a Conservative prime minister to express "regret" for the Thatcher government's handling of the tragedy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express regret for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the regret is directed towards. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "express regret for" in situations where a simple apology or acknowledgement would suffice. Overusing formal expressions can sound insincere or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express regret for" functions as a verb phrase used to formally convey feelings of remorse, disappointment, or sorrow about a particular action, event, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express regret for" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey remorse or disappointment in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, noting its prevalent use in formal settings such as news reports and official statements. While alternatives like "apologize for" exist, "express regret for" maintains a level of formality suitable for situations requiring a measured and thoughtful response. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity to avoid ambiguity. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express remorse for

This alternative carries a stronger sense of guilt and responsibility.

voice regret over

This alternative is slightly less formal and emphasizes the expression of regret.

show contrition for

This phrase highlights the act of being penitent or remorseful.

apologize for

This alternative is a more direct way of expressing regret and taking responsibility.

lament

This alternative is a more emotional way of showing sadness or regret.

rue the day

This alternative expresses intense regret and sorrow about something that happened.

deplore

This alternative conveys strong disapproval and regret.

feel sorry for

This alternative focuses on empathy and compassion.

take responsibility for

This alternative focuses on accountability rather than emotional regret.

offer an apology for

This alternative is more formal and structured, emphasizing the act of apologizing.

FAQs

How do I use "express regret for" in a sentence?

Use "express regret for" to formally state remorse for an action or situation. For example, "The company "expresses regret for" any inconvenience caused."

What can I say instead of "express regret for"?

You can use alternatives like "apologize for", "voice regret over", or "show contrition for" depending on the context.

Is it better to "express regret for" or simply "apologize for"?

"Express regret for" is more formal. "Apologize for" is a more direct and often more appropriate choice for less formal situations.

Can "express regret for" be used when someone else is at fault?

Yes, you can "express regret for" a situation even if you are not personally at fault. It shows empathy and understanding, for example, "I "express regret for" the difficulties you are experiencing".