express regret over

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'express regret over' is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to convey a feeling of sadness or remorse about something that has happened. For example, "The executive board expressed regret over the loss of two valued employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Osborne had called to express regret over how events had evolved.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, he should express regret over Carpenter's departure and low-key recognition of his contributions.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Biden called Ms. Hill this month to express regret over what she endured at the Clarence Thomas hearings.

The New York Times

Joe Biden called Anita Hill this month to express regret over what she endured at the Clarence Thomas hearings.

The New York Times

Paradoxically, people who went through mediation were also more likely to express regret over the divorce in the ensuing years than those who litigated.

The New York Times

Although Reggie Bush admitted no wrongdoing, he did express regret over his involvement in an N.C.A.A. inquiry that resulted in major sanctions for Southern California's football program.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Israel expressed "regret" over the incident.

The Economist

Chelsea later expressed regret over the incident.

The Guardian - Sport

The chair of governors, Kat Smith, expressed regret over the furore.

The Guardian

The army has expressed regret over his death.

The New York Times

Encouragingly, the North this week expressed "regret" over the clash.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when deciding whether to "express regret over". In some situations, a more direct apology might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "express regret over" as a mere formality without genuine remorse, as this can undermine the message and damage credibility. Ensure the expression of regret is authentic and reflects a true understanding of the impact of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express regret over" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of conveying feelings of sorrow, disappointment, or remorse concerning a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express regret over" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to convey feelings of sorrow or disappointment. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its versatility across various contexts, particularly in news, formal communications and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "voice remorse for" or "show contrition about" exist, choosing the right phrase depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "express regret over", ensure your expression is sincere and clearly identifies the cause of regret to avoid any ambiguity or misinterpretation. Avoid using it insincerely, as it can damage credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice remorse for

Uses "voice" instead of "express" and "remorse" instead of "regret", focusing more on the feeling of deep guilt.

show contrition about

Replaces "express regret" with "show contrition", indicating a more profound sense of guilt and desire for atonement.

offer an apology for

Focuses on the act of apologizing rather than just expressing regret.

lament

A single word substitution that implies a public and strong expression of sadness or grief.

rue

A single word that means to bitterly regret something.

deplore

Emphasizes strong disapproval and condemnation rather than just regret.

be apologetic about

Shifts the focus to the state of being apologetic.

feel sorry about

A more informal and less formal way to express regret.

have misgivings about

Focuses on feeling doubts or anxieties after an action or decision.

take responsibility for

Shifts the emphasis to accepting accountability for an action.

FAQs

How can I use "express regret over" in a sentence?

You can use "express regret over" when you want to convey a feeling of sadness or remorse about something that has happened. For example, "The company had to "express regret over" the incident."

What are some alternatives to "express regret over"?

You can use alternatives like "voice remorse for", "show contrition about", or "offer an apology for" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to "express regret over" an action?

While it is often appropriate, it's crucial to ensure that the expression is sincere and not perceived as insincere or dismissive. Sometimes, a more direct apology or taking concrete action to rectify the situation may be more effective.

What is the difference between "express regret over" and "apologize for"?

"Express regret over" conveys sorrow or disappointment, while "apologize for" is a more direct admission of fault and taking responsibility. "Apologize for" often implies a commitment to making amends, which is not necessarily the case with ""express regret over"".