feeling of regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of regret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an emotional response to a past action or decision that one wishes had been different. Example: "After realizing the impact of my words, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of regret for how I had treated my friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

He declined to pursue this feeling of regret.

The New Yorker

And so there is this feeling of regret.

The New Yorker

The feeling of regret coloured his post-match thoughts.

The Guardian - Sport

"But I refuse to live my life on the sidelines with a vague feeling of regret.

The Guardian

As every child knows, apology entails an acknowledgment of responsibility coupled with a feeling of regret.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He's saying that the victims also enjoyed this, and there is no feeling of regret at all".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The police, or feelings of regret, could break this pattern.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

The idea is to play on people's feelings of regret.

The New York Times

That is, don't allow feelings of regret to cloud your best communications judgment.

Harvard Business Review

The first part of the book, "A Clean Slate," is about middle-aged feelings of regret, longing and a sense of impending mortality.

The New York Times

You can't go back in time and change the past, so feelings of regret and guilt are, in my opinion, a waste of energy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for more formal or literary tone, consider synonyms like "remorse" or "contrition" to convey different nuances of regret.

Common error

While both involve negative emotions about the past, regret focuses on wishing you'd made a different choice, while guilt centers on feeling responsible for harm done. Be sure to use "feeling of regret" when focusing on a missed opportunity or a less-than-ideal outcome, rather than a moral transgression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of regret" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling of regret" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to express disappointment or sorrow over past events. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is acceptable in written English. It is frequently found in news articles, scientific papers, and academic texts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various registers. Alternatives include "sense of remorse" and "emotion of regret", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to use "feeling of regret" when discussing missed opportunities or less-than-ideal outcomes, and avoid confusing it with guilt, which implies responsibility for harm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotion of regret

Highlights the emotional aspect of regret as a distinct feeling.

burden of regret

Emphasizes the heavy and lingering nature of regret.

sense of remorse

Focuses more specifically on moral wrongdoing and the associated guilt.

wave of remorse

Implies an overwhelming surge of regret and guilt.

pang of regret

Emphasizes a sudden, sharp experience of regret.

fit of regret

Indicates a brief but intense period of regret.

shade of regret

Suggests a subtle or nuanced feeling of regret, less intense than full-blown remorse.

sigh of regret

Captures the physical expression of feeling regretful or disappointed.

state of rue

Rue is a more literary and somewhat archaic term for regret, suggesting deep sorrow.

moment of contrition

Highlights a specific instant of feeling remorseful and penitent.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of regret" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of regret" to express sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened. For example: "She had a "feeling of regret" for not spending more time with her family."

What's the difference between "feeling of regret" and "sense of remorse"?

"Feeling of regret" generally refers to disappointment over a past decision or action, whereas "sense of remorse" implies a deeper, more profound guilt and sorrow, often related to moral wrongdoing.

What are some alternatives to "feeling of regret"?

You can use alternatives such as "emotion of regret", "sense of disappointment", or "pang of remorse" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "feeling of regret" formal or informal?

"Feeling of regret" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various writing styles, though more formal options like "remorse" may suit specific situations.