how regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disappointment or sorrow about a situation or event. Example: "It is truly how regrettable that we could not attend the concert due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I guess we'll see this morning quite how regrettable Mathews' decision was.

The Guardian - Sport

When Emperor Hirohito was required to acknowledge past sins, government officials had him make vague references to the "unfortunate past," and how "regrettable" it was.

The New York Times

While he makes plans, though, Torborg, who has also managed the Mets, the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox, knows how regrettable it will be for him if contraction kills the Expos.

The New York Times - Sports

The tricksy twist, however, is then to claim that seeing as the law must operate without fear or favour, the consequences of section 103 of Bismarck-era criminal code, which proscribes insulting foreign leaders, cannot be avoided, no matter how regrettable they may be.

The Guardian - Opinion

When asked how regrettable it was that the issue had still not been finalised four years after Fifa's executive committee voted for Qatar, Platini said: "It's not regrettable for me.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"As I stated three months ago, after I watched the video, how deeply regrettable those actions..

Huffington Post

How does this regrettable fact justify government oversight of private expression?

The New York Times

If you've ever searched Tumblr for the term, you'll know how widespread – and regrettable – the trend is.

The Guardian - Tech

Jeffers's example reminds us that you can denature humanity not only by elevating men and women far above the animal kingdom but also by debasing them, by failing to see how our most regrettable vices -- our wars, our rapes, our indifferent cruelty -- are woven into the natural order.

The New York Times - Books

This is even more regrettable when considering how the media industry will need to increase its own promotion activities in order to support the diversification that is key to its survival.

The Guardian - Tech

Calling that bullying or blackmailing is either a bad case of sour grapes or a regrettable misunderstanding of how this world works.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how regrettable" to express a sense of disappointment or sorrow, particularly in formal or semi-formal contexts where a more nuanced expression of regret is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "how regrettable" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler expressions like "how unfortunate" or "what a pity" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how regrettable" functions as an adjectival phrase within a relative clause, modifying a preceding noun or situation. It indicates the degree to which something is regrettable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how regrettable" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for conveying disappointment or sorrow, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although less frequent in everyday conversation, it finds its place in more formal writing, particularly within the news and media. The primary function of "how regrettable" is to modify a situation or decision, expressing the extent to which it is regrettable. For less formal contexts, alternatives such as "how unfortunate" or "what a pity" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how unfortunate

Focuses on the element of bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.

how lamentable

Emphasizes the mournful or sorrowful nature of the situation.

how disappointing

Highlights the feeling of unmet expectations or frustration.

how deplorable

Stresses the unacceptability or reprehensibility of the situation.

how sad

Expresses a general feeling of unhappiness or sorrow.

how sorry

Implies a feeling of pity or regret, sometimes taking responsibility.

how tragic

Highlights the catastrophic or devastating nature of the event.

how appalling

Emphasizes the shocking or horrifying nature of the situation.

how disgraceful

Focuses on the shameful or dishonorable aspect of the event.

how undesirable

Highlights the unwanted or unwelcome nature of the situation.

FAQs

What does "how regrettable" mean?

The phrase "how regrettable" expresses disappointment or sorrow about a situation or event. It suggests that something is unfortunate or undesirable.

How can I use "how regrettable" in a sentence?

You can use "how regrettable" to express your disappointment, for example: "I guess we'll see this morning quite "how regrettable" Mathews' decision was."

What can I say instead of "how regrettable"?

You can use alternatives such as "how unfortunate", "how disappointing", or "how lamentable" depending on the context.

Is "how regrettable" formal or informal?

The phrase "how regrettable" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "how sad" or "how unfortunate" might be more appropriate.