feel regretful

USAGE SUMMARY

'feel regretful' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express feeling regret about something. For example: After not studying for the test, I feel regretful that my score was so low.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It's unlikely that you will look back on this holiday season in your 80s and feel regretful that you enjoyed a slice of pie, however you might regret missing out on enjoying the moment due to anxiety or guilt around food.

HuffPost

I do feel regretful".

The New York Times

I feel regretful.

The New Yorker

They feel regretful, not guilty, about apartheid.

The New York Times

"Now I feel regretful, and sorry for the people of Lanzhou".

The New York Times

It's the heart of someone who knows he didn't behave well but can't do anything about it now except feel regretful.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Feeling regretful, I deleted it.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's how she prefaces most presentations – if ever time precludes it, she feels regretful.

The Guardian

When she got home she felt regretful but thought, Some other night, perhaps; another sort of man.

The New Yorker

Those with less education felt regretful for their lack of education, whereas those with more education were more likely to cite a career-related regret.

The New York Times

"Feeling regretful for the unforeseen armed clash," the statement said, "we are of the view that both sides should make joint efforts to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in future".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel regretful" to express a current emotional state resulting from a past action or decision. It's effective for conveying a sense of personal responsibility and emotional reflection.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "feel regretful" can sound slightly informal or emotionally charged in certain formal or professional settings. Consider using stronger verbs like "regret" or "deplore" for a more measured tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel regretful" functions primarily as a subjective complement, describing the state of being of the subject. It links the subject to an adjective expressing an emotion of regret, as validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel regretful" is a grammatically correct way to express a sentiment of regret about something. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English writing. Although not extremely frequent, it's appropriate for conveying personal emotions in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is considered grammatically correct, it is slightly uncommon in formal writing. Alternatives such as "feel remorseful" or "have regrets" might be preferred in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have regrets

A more general expression of feeling regret, without specifying intensity.

feel remorseful

Emphasizes deep regret and a sense of guilt.

feel sorry

Expresses a feeling of pity or sadness, often for oneself or others in relation to a past event.

feel apologetic

Highlights a desire to express sorrow or regret to someone else.

feel contrite

Conveys sincere remorse and willingness to atone for wrongdoing.

feel ashamed

Highlights a feeling of humiliation and embarrassment due to one's actions.

feel saddened

Expresses a feeling of sorrow or unhappiness about a past event.

feel disappointed in oneself

Focuses on self-directed disappointment due to one's own actions.

wish one could take it back

Expresses a strong desire to undo a past action or decision.

kick oneself

An informal idiom for feeling regret, implying frustration with one's own actions.

FAQs

How can I use "feel regretful" in a sentence?

You can use "feel regretful" to express a current emotional state about a past action. For example, "I "feel regretful" that I didn't spend more time with my family."

What are some alternatives to "feel regretful"?

Alternatives include "feel remorseful", "have regrets", or "feel sorry" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I feel regretful" or "I regret"?

Both are correct, but "I regret" is often more concise and direct, suitable for formal contexts. "I "feel regretful"" emphasizes the emotional state of feeling regret.

What's the difference between "feel regretful" and "feel guilty"?

"Feel regretful" focuses on sadness or disappointment about a past action, while "feel guilty" implies a sense of having violated a moral or ethical standard.