expressing regret for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressing regret for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when conveying feelings of sorrow or remorse about a particular situation or action. Example: "She wrote a letter expressing regret for her decision to leave the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He confessed, breaking down in tears and expressing regret for the pain he had caused.

The Guardian

But he has broken with house rules by expressing regret for mistaken policy choices.

The New York Times

Mr. Rodriguez said little at the hearing other than expressing regret for the crimes.

The New York Times

But it did not necessarily mean expressing regret for them later.

The New York Times

"For the 1st time - in prepared remarks, Trump expressing regret for some of his campaign conduct".

The New Yorker

Mr Brown opened his evidence by expressing regret for the death toll in Iraq.

Independent

The other day, he wrote to Poland's president, Bronislaw Komorowski, expressing "regret" for the error.

The New York Times

Yesterday Ms Wade emailed staff expressing regret for the company's behaviour.

Independent

He released a statement expressing regret for his actions, without specifying what they were.

The New York Times

After Mr. Tenet suspended his security clearances last August, Mr. Deutch issued a statement expressing regret for his actions.

The New York Times

Ms. Walters issued a statement on Tuesday expressing regret for her actions, which she called "a conflict".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expressing regret for", clearly state what the regret is about to avoid ambiguity. For example, "He is expressing regret for the comments he made during the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "expressing regret for" in very informal settings like casual conversations with friends. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'm sorry for" or "I regret" to sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressing regret for" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a verbal, typically followed by a noun or pronoun that specifies the object of regret. It introduces a statement conveying sorrow or remorse about a particular action, event, or situation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressing regret for" is a versatile phrase used to formally convey sorrow or remorse. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news and formal business contexts. While it is suitable for official statements and reports, simpler alternatives like "apologizing for" or "sorry for" may be more appropriate for informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what the regret pertains to and consider the level of formality required by the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apologizing for

Directly conveys the act of apologizing, focusing on the action of saying sorry.

showing remorse for

Emphasizes the feeling of deep regret and guilt.

feeling sorry for

Highlights the emotional aspect of regret, indicating empathy or compassion.

lamenting

Expresses grief or sorrow, often in a more formal or literary context.

deploring

Conveys strong disapproval and regret, often used in formal settings.

repenting for

Implies a turning away from past actions with sincere regret, often with religious connotations.

expressing contrition for

Formally communicates a feeling of remorse and penitence.

acknowledging fault for

Focuses on admitting responsibility and wrongdoing, with a hint of regret.

taking responsibility for

Emphasizes accepting the consequences of one's actions, often implying regret.

expressing sorrow over

Indicates sadness or grief, specifically related to an event or situation.

FAQs

What's a more concise way to say "expressing regret for"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "apologizing for", "regretting", or "sorry for" depending on the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "expressing regret for"?

The phrase "expressing regret for" is appropriate in formal contexts such as official statements, news reports, or professional communications. It's used to clearly convey a feeling of remorse or sorrow about a specific action or event.

What are some phrases similar to "expressing regret for" that I can use?

Similar phrases include "showing remorse for", "feeling sorry for", and "lamenting". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "expressing regret for" and "apologizing for"?

While both phrases convey a sense of remorse, "apologizing for" is a more direct act of saying sorry. "Expressing regret for" can be a broader statement of sorrow, not necessarily involving a direct apology.