expressed regret for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed regret for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone conveys their feelings of sorrow or remorse about a particular action or situation. Example: "The company expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the delay in service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nonetheless, he expressed regret for what ensued.

The New York Times

She expressed regret for the death.

The New York Times

Last month, he expressed regret for offending Roman Catholics.

The New York Times

Later, Palestinian officials expressed regret for the mob killings.

The New York Times

Most controversially, he expressed regret for Japan's wartime abuses abroad.

The New York Times

Mr. Deutch has expressed regret for his actions.

The New York Times

He has since expressed regret for that remark.

The New York Times

He has frequently expressed regret for his past actions.

The New York Times

In his speech, the governor expressed regret for the layoffs.

The New York Times

During his testimony, Mr. Petraeus expressed regret for his affair.

The New York Times

The panel recently expressed "regret" for the error.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressed regret for" when you want to formally communicate sorrow or remorse, especially in official statements or reports.

Common error

Avoid using "expressed regret for" in overly casual situations; simpler phrases like "I'm sorry about" or "I apologize for" are more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed regret for" functions as a performative verb phrase, indicating the act of conveying feelings of sorrow or remorse. Ludwig provides numerous examples where individuals or organizations formally acknowledge wrongdoing or unfortunate situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expressed regret for" is a common and grammatically correct way to convey feelings of sorrow or remorse, particularly in formal contexts such as news reporting and official statements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides ample examples of its usage. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a formal or serious tone is appropriate, and simpler alternatives like "I'm sorry" or "I apologize" are preferred in casual settings. The phrase's frequency and authoritative source backing make it a reliable choice for communicating regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apologized for

Directly conveys an apology, emphasizing taking responsibility.

expressed apologies for

Formal and direct way of conveying apologies.

conveyed remorse for

Highlights a deep feeling of guilt or repentance.

voiced regret about

Focuses on the act of verbally expressing feelings of sorrow.

lamented

A more formal and somber way of expressing sorrow or grief.

was apologetic about

Highlights the state of being apologetic, focusing on attitude.

expressed sorrow over

Emphasizes sadness related to a particular event or situation.

deplored

Expresses strong disapproval and regret, often for broader issues.

showed contrition for

Highlights the act of demonstrating sincere remorse.

felt sorry about

A more informal and personal expression of regret.

FAQs

What does "expressed regret for" mean?

To "express regret for" something means to communicate feelings of sorrow, remorse, or disappointment about a particular action, event, or situation. It often implies taking some level of responsibility or acknowledging a negative outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "expressed regret for"?

It's appropriate to use "expressed regret for" in formal contexts, such as official statements, news reports, or when conveying serious apologies. It's less suitable for casual conversation, where simpler expressions of apology are preferred.

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

You can use alternatives like "apologized for", "conveyed remorse for", or "voiced regret about" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of sorrow or apology.

How is "expressed regret for" different from "apologized for"?

"Expressed regret for" communicates sorrow and may imply indirect responsibility, while "apologized for" directly conveys an apology and acceptance of responsibility. "Apologized" is more direct, while "expressed regret" can be a more nuanced statement.