great regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that has happened or a decision that was made. Example: "I must express my great regret for not being able to attend the meeting last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I say this with great regret.

The New Yorker

"I feel ashamed for it and have great regret".

The New York Times - Health

I've come with great regret to this conclusion".

The Guardian - Books

It's an issue of great regret to me.

The Guardian

The moment was not recorded, to his great regret.

The New York Times - Arts

To my great regret, this situation is now changing".

The Guardian

She was about to return to work, with great regret.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is a matter of great regret of mine, my father's and everyone at News Corporation.

Independent

And it is with great regret that we have to cease funding some good organisations".

Independent

"To our great regret, there are elements of blackmail," Mr. Lavrov said.

The New York Times

I have watched with great regret the miserable slide of Russia into autocracy and corrupt squalor.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great regret", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the cause of the regret is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "great regret" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "really sorry" or "disappointed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great regret" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "great" intensifies the feeling of regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express a strong feeling of sorrow or disappointment. The examples show its common usage in formal announcements or expressions of apology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great regret" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a strong sense of sorrow or disappointment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in news and media contexts. While perfectly acceptable, it is best used in neutral to formal settings. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for casual conversations. Remember to clarify the cause of the regret to ensure clarity. Top sources include The Guardian, The New York Times and BBC, solidifying its place in formal writing. Alternatives include "deep regret", "genuine remorse", or "profound disappointment", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine regret

Indicates an authentic feeling of sorrow or remorse.

deep sorrow

Focuses on the emotional depth of sadness rather than the feeling of disappointment over a specific event.

much sadness

A more straightforward expression of sorrow.

profound disappointment

Emphasizes the intensity of the letdown experienced.

keen disappointment

Underscores the sharpness and intensity of the disappointment.

sincere remorse

Highlights the feeling of guilt and repentance for a past action.

heavy heart

Evokes a sense of emotional burden or sadness.

considerable dismay

Highlights a feeling of shock and distress.

intense chagrin

Focuses on a feeling of embarrassment or humiliation caused by failure.

grave concern

Emphasizes worry and seriousness about a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "great regret" in a sentence?

You can use "great regret" to express sorrow or disappointment about a situation. For example, "It is with "great regret" that I must inform you of my resignation."

What phrases are similar to "great regret"?

Alternatives to "great regret" include "deep regret", "genuine remorse", or "profound disappointment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the emotion you want to convey.

Is it better to say "great regret" or "deep regret"?

Both "great regret" and "deep regret" are correct and usable. "Great regret" might be slightly more formal, but they are largely interchangeable.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "great regret"?

Using "great regret" might be inappropriate in very informal settings. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "I'm really sorry" or "That's a shame" may be more suitable.