formal regret

USAGE SUMMARY

"formal regret" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you are expressing a sincere apology or acknowledgment of a mistake in a professional or official manner. Example: "I would like to express my formal regret for the oversight in our recent communication." Alternative expressions include "official apology" and "sincere regret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And now the PDS is preparing to express its formal "regret", though it will not "apologise", for the erection of the wall in 1961.Pollsters say that six Germans in ten and this includes over half of those in the western states feel the time has come for the PDS to be treated as a normal party.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Groups of silent spectators stood in front of the bulletin board in the fashion tent at Somerset House, reading a formal letter of regret from Sarah Brown, wife of the British prime minister, or a note saying: "You were a rascal at college — I loved clubbing with U".

The New York Times

Mr. Bush's words, while not an apology, were the strongest and most formal expression of regret yet from the United States about the episode on Monday, one of the worst involving civilian casualties in the nine-month-old American military mission in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Senior administration officials said today that after days of negotiations with Beijing, the United States had submitted a formal statement of regret to the Chinese government and was waiting for China's leaders to say whether they would accept it and release the crew of an American spy plane.

The New York Times

By contrast, the German foreign minister, Joschka Fischer, made a point of flying to Durban and spending an extra day there, making a formal statement of regret for the role Germany played in Africa as an exploiter of Africans and a participant in the slave trade.

The New York Times

Senior administration officials said the United States, after days of negotiations with Beijing, had submitted a formal statement of regret to the Chinese government and was waiting for China's leaders to say whether they would accept it and release the crew of an American spy plane.

The New York Times

But this meant that I didn't have a formal education, and I regret that.

The Guardian - Money

As we have said, the well-known formal models of the role of regret have focused on anticipated regret (Bell, 1982; Loomes & Sugden, 1982); accounts of experienced regret are less detailed.

Child Development

"We regret that a formal legal complaint is necessary, but we are convinced that it is the only possible appropriate step to restore FIFA's honor and dignity".

The New York Times - Sports

One precedent of which the justices need no reminder is Korematsu v. United States, the 1944 Supreme Court decision that upheld, to the country's lasting regret and eventual formal apology, the wartime detention of 110,000 Americans of Japanese descent, most of them citizens.

The New York Times

As much as she loves acting, Ms. Williams has some regrets that her formal education ended so early.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formal regret" when acknowledging a mistake or expressing sorrow in an official or professional setting. It is suitable for diplomatic communications, corporate statements, and other contexts requiring a degree of seriousness and decorum.

Common error

Avoid using "formal regret" in casual or personal situations. Its seriousness can seem out of place or insincere when a simple apology would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal regret" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe an official or serious expression of sorrow or disappointment. It signifies something beyond a simple apology, often implying a measured and considered response. The Ludwig AI confirms its usage in professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formal regret" serves as a nuanced way to express sorrow or acknowledgment in professional or official settings. It's a common phrase used in news reports, business communications, and academic discussions, as noted by Ludwig AI. While it conveys a degree of responsibility, it often falls short of a full apology, carefully navigating sensitive situations. Related phrases include "official apology" and "official statement of regret", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. When using this phrase, remember that its formality makes it unsuitable for casual situations, and its sincerity should always align with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official statement of regret

Focuses on the statement itself, highlighting its official nature and expression of regret.

formal declaration of regret

Focuses on the act of declaring or announcing regret in an official capacity.

formal expression of apology

Similar in formality, but emphasizes the act of apologizing rather than simply feeling regret.

formal acknowledgement of error

Focuses on admitting a mistake in a formal setting, sidestepping the emotional aspect of regret.

official apology

Implies a more direct and explicit admission of wrongdoing than "formal regret".

sincere apology

Highlights the genuineness of the apology, implying heartfelt regret.

profound regret

Similar to "deep remorse", this underscores the intensity of the feeling of regret.

deep remorse

Emphasizes the depth of feeling, suggesting a stronger emotional response than "formal regret".

expression of contrition

A more elevated and formal way of expressing regret, suggesting a sense of guilt and repentance.

official lament

Conveys a sense of sorrow or mourning, more akin to grieving a loss than admitting a fault.

FAQs

How does "formal regret" differ from a "formal apology"?

"Formal regret" acknowledges error or expresses sorrow without necessarily taking full responsibility. A "formal apology" typically includes an explicit admission of fault and a commitment to avoid repeating the mistake.

In what situations is it appropriate to express "formal regret"?

Expressing "formal regret" is appropriate in professional or official settings where an error or unfortunate incident has occurred. Examples include diplomatic relations, corporate communications, and legal proceedings.

What are some alternatives to expressing "formal regret"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as an "official apology", an "expression of contrition", or a "statement of remorse".

Is there a risk of sounding insincere when expressing "formal regret"?

Yes, if the situation calls for a genuine apology, expressing only "formal regret" might be perceived as evasive or insincere. Be sure to consider the context and ensure that your expression of regret aligns with the gravity of the situation.