expression of regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression of regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when conveying feelings of sorrow or disappointment about a situation or action. Example: "In his letter, he included an expression of regret for the misunderstanding that occurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the expression of regret drew opposition.

Independent

An expression of regret but no action.

The Guardian

His only explicit expression of regret was to his family.

The New York Times

To union organizers, however, his expression of regret rang false.

The New York Times

Some of the audience applauded his expression of regret.

The Guardian

He poignantly renders his expression of regret that the antiwar movement could not stop that war.

The New York Times

That is: it's a concrete step, as opposed to a rhetorical expression of regret and disappointment.

The Guardian

Because of the expression of regret, we take it as an apology".

The New York Times

But the tribunal said the commissioner's remarks "contained no expression of regret … or any apology".

The Guardian

This is Keith's considered expression of regret: "Never knew the son of a bitch or barely.

The New Yorker

The paper later disclosed that presidential aides had inserted his expression of regret after the fact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expression of regret", ensure it is followed by a clear indication of what you are regretful about. Specificity enhances sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "expression of regret" without specifying the action or situation you regret. A vague expression can come across as insincere or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of regret" functions primarily as a nominal phrase. It serves to denote the act of conveying feelings of sorrow, disappointment, or remorse. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and can be used to convey these feelings in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expression of regret" is a common and grammatically correct way to convey sorrow or disappointment, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis. It is versatile, fitting in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts. While alternatives like "apology" or "statement of remorse" exist, understanding the nuances of when to use each is crucial. When using "expression of regret", ensure clarity by specifying the cause of regret to avoid ambiguity. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig highlight its widespread usage and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apology

A more direct and explicit admission of fault and expression of regret.

formal regret

Expresses the same sentiment in a more concise and direct way.

statement of remorse

Replaces 'expression of regret' with a more formal and direct declaration of sorrow.

declaration of sorrow

Emphasizes the feeling of sadness associated with the regret.

show of remorse

Indicates a visible demonstration of regret through actions or words.

act of contrition

Indicates a more active demonstration of regret, often involving making amends.

feeling of deep sorrow

Shifts the emphasis to the emotion rather than its expression.

acknowledgment of error

Focuses on recognizing the mistake made.

admission of wrongdoing

Focuses on acknowledging the mistake rather than the feeling of regret.

plea for forgiveness

Implies asking to be pardoned for the action that caused the regret.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "expression of regret" in a sentence?

To effectively use "expression of regret", clearly state what you regret and, if possible, explain why. For example, "The company issued an "expression of regret" for the delay in the project, citing unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "expression of regret"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "apology", "statement of remorse", or "acknowledgment of error". Each carries a slightly different connotation.

When is it appropriate to use "expression of regret" instead of a direct apology?

An "expression of regret" might be used when acknowledging the negative impact of an event without necessarily admitting direct fault. This can be useful in situations where liability is unclear or when aiming to show empathy without taking full responsibility.

How does an "expression of regret" differ from an apology?

While both convey sorrow, an apology typically involves admitting fault, whereas an "expression of regret" acknowledges the negative consequences without necessarily claiming responsibility. It's a more nuanced way to show sympathy and understanding.