have regrets about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have regrets about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing feelings of remorse or disappointment regarding a past action or decision. Example: "I have regrets about not pursuing my dream career sooner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And some people have regrets about that.

The New York Times

"I have regrets about not completing the job".

The New York Times

Do you have regrets about how that was handled?

The New York Times - Magazine

Do you have regrets about your coverage of Iraq?

The Guardian

I have regrets about my time to Northampton.

The Guardian

The Eagles hope they never have regrets about Vick.

The New York Times - Sports

Does she have regrets about what she did?

The Guardian

Did she seem to have regrets about both or really just about the latter?

The New York Times

"Even today, I don't have regrets" about buying in the tower, he said.

The New York Times

She began to have regrets about her missed opportunity with Dr. Saleh.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Have you ever had regrets about your business negotiations?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing regret, be specific about the action or decision you regret to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "I "have regrets about" the past", specify "I "have regrets about" not spending more time with my family".

Common error

While "have regrets about" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "feel remorse for", "wish I had done differently", or other expressions to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have regrets about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of feeling remorse or disappointment concerning a past action or decision. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have regrets about" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express feelings of remorse or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and considered correct in written English. With 63 real-world examples, it's clear that this phrase is common across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms exist, such as "feel remorse about" or "wish I hadn't", understanding the specific nuance you wish to convey can help you choose the most appropriate expression. When using "have regrets about", being specific about the cause of your regret enhances clarity and impact. Overall, "have regrets about" is a reliable and effective phrase for expressing feelings about past actions or decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look back with regret

Focuses on the act of remembering something with a feeling of sadness or disappointment.

feel remorse about

Expresses a strong feeling of guilt and sorrow for something wrong that was done.

bitterly regret

Emphasizes the intensity of the regret.

wish I hadn't

Simple expression of wishing something didn't occur or that one hadn't done something.

have second thoughts about

Indicates reconsideration and potential regret.

feel sorry about

Expresses sympathy or sadness for a situation or action.

lament

Implies a public expression of grief or sorrow.

repent

Suggests a turning away from sin or wrongdoing with sincere remorse.

rue the day

Indicates bitter regret about when something happened.

deplore

Expresses strong disapproval or condemnation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "have regrets about" in a sentence?

You can use "have regrets about" to express remorse or disappointment regarding a past action or decision. For example, "I "have regrets about" not traveling more when I was younger".

What's a more formal way to say "have regrets about"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "feel remorse for" or "lament". However, ""have regrets about"" is acceptable in many professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "have regret on" instead of "have regrets about"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "have regrets" is "about". Saying "have regret on" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some common things people "have regrets about"?

People commonly "have regrets about" career choices, relationship decisions, missed opportunities, and financial decisions. Consider what resonates most in your writing.