i really regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I really regret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong feeling of remorse or disappointment about a past action or decision. Example: "I really regret not taking that job opportunity when I had the chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I really regret".

The New Yorker

I really regret that".

The New York Times - Sports

"Which I really regret".

The Guardian - Music

I really regret that now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I really regret not having it.

The Guardian - Music

Get ready for F/R.' I really regret it now".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I really regret talking about it," she says.

Independent

"I really regret that very much," Mr Chang says.

The Economist

I really regret that, otherwise I would have his signature.

The Guardian

I really regret having any guns in the movie".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I really regret it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing “really” with a stronger adverb (e.g. deeply, sincerely, bitterly) to convey a more intense feeling of remorse if appropriate.

Common error

While "i really regret" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "i lament", "i rue", or "i wish i hadn't" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i really regret" primarily functions as an expression of remorse or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used construction. The examples show its use in diverse contexts, each conveying a sense of wishing things had turned out differently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i really regret" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey feelings of remorse or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and is considered to have a neutral register. For increased impact, consider using stronger synonyms like "i deeply rue" or "i sincerely lament". While it's a useful phrase, overusing it can be repetitive, so vary your language where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i wish i hadn't

Uses a conditional statement to express a wish for a different past action.

i bitterly regret

Adds an adverb to emphasize the intensity of the regret.

it's my biggest regret

Shifts the focus to identifying something as the most significant regret.

i sincerely lament

Uses a more formal and emphatic verb to convey deep regret.

i deeply rue

Employs a less common verb to express sorrow and regret.

i should have known better

Expresses regret coupled with the realization of a mistake.

i am filled with remorse

Expresses regret as an emotional state of being.

i feel great sorrow

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow as a result of a regretful event.

i am disappointed in myself

Conveys regret through self-disappointment.

hindsight is 20/20

Uses an idiomatic expression to imply regret about a past decision.

FAQs

How can I use "i really regret" in a sentence?

You can use "i really regret" to express remorse or disappointment about a past action or decision. For example, "i really regret not taking that opportunity".

What are some alternatives to "i really regret"?

You can use alternatives like "i sincerely lament", "i deeply rue", or "i bitterly regret" to express similar feelings with different nuances.

Is it grammatically correct to say "i really regret"?

Yes, "i really regret" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard sentence structure and is widely accepted.

When is it more appropriate to use "i deeply regret" instead of "i really regret"?

"i deeply regret" is generally used in more formal contexts or when you want to express a stronger sense of remorse compared to the more common and neutral "i really regret".