he regrets that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he regrets that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's feelings of remorse or disappointment about a specific situation or action. Example: "He regrets that he didn't take the opportunity when it was presented to him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Obviously, he regrets that mistake".

The New York Times

He regrets that stance.

The New York Times

But now he regrets that title.

The New York Times - Science

He regrets that he said anything.

The New York Times

How he regrets that he and she are foes.

The Guardian - Books

Yet he regrets that they have not been bulldozed more thoroughly.

The Economist

He regrets that she, like her older sister, will have to borrow money.

The New York Times

Though he regrets that there is no supermarket nearby, he has a well-appointed kitchen.

The New York Times

He regrets that he is being accused of acts he never committed".

The New York Times

He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.

Independent

Looking back, he regrets that action, because it led to nearly a decade of writer's block.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he regrets that", ensure that the context clearly indicates what action or situation is being regretted. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he is regretting that" in formal writing. While grammatically possible, it's less common and can sound awkward. Stick to "he regrets that" for clearer and more concise expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he regrets that" functions as a declarative statement expressing remorse or disappointment. It introduces a subordinate clause that specifies the object of regret. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its consistent use in reporting someone's feelings about a particular event or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he regrets that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express someone's feelings of remorse or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news and media contexts, and to a lesser extent in formal business settings. When using the phrase, clarity is key: make sure the object of regret is clearly defined. While "he is regretting that" is technically possible, sticking to "he regrets that" provides a clearer and more concise expression. Considering alternative phrases such as "he is sorry that" or "he wishes he hadn't" can add nuance and variety to your writing. The phrase functions as a declarative statement conveying information about someone’s emotional state, maintaining a neutral register suitable for professional and journalistic communication. With high source quality and consistent usage, "he regrets that" remains a reliable choice for expressing regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is sorry that

Directly substitutes "regrets" with "is sorry", maintaining the core meaning of expressing remorse.

he wishes he hadn't

Focuses on the wish that a past action had not occurred, implying regret.

he laments that

Replaces "regrets" with "laments", indicating a more profound sense of sorrow or grief.

he is disappointed that

Shifts the focus to disappointment rather than direct regret, but still conveys a negative sentiment.

he feels bad that

Uses more informal language to express a feeling of remorse or guilt.

he deplores that

Expresses strong disapproval and regret regarding a particular situation or event.

he is saddened that

Focuses on the sadness caused by a particular event, indicating regret.

he feels remorse for

Highlights the feeling of remorse associated with a past action or decision.

it is unfortunate that he

Shifts the emphasis to the unfortunate nature of a situation, implying regret.

he has misgivings about

Expresses doubts or hesitations about something, suggesting a degree of regret.

FAQs

How can I use "he regrets that" in a sentence?

The phrase "he regrets that" is used to express someone's feelings of remorse or disappointment about a specific situation or action. For example, "He regrets that he didn't take the opportunity when it was presented to him."

What are some alternatives to "he regrets that"?

You can use alternatives like "he is sorry that", "he wishes he hadn't", or "he laments that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he is regretting that"?

While grammatically possible, "he is regretting that" is less common and can sound awkward. It is generally better to use "he regrets that" for a clearer and more concise expression.

What's the difference between "he regrets that" and "he is disappointed that"?

"He regrets that" directly expresses remorse or sorrow, while "he is disappointed that" indicates a feeling of sadness or frustration because something didn't meet expectations. Regret often implies a sense of responsibility or missed opportunity.