i regret

USAGE SUMMARY

"I regret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express sorrow or apologize for something you did wrong. For example, "I regret not taking your advice and now I'm in a difficult situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I regret this lapse.

The New York Times

"I regret them.

The New York Times

"I regret saying it").

The New Yorker

I regret the error.

The New York Times

Sure, I regret it.

The New York Times

Do I regret that?

The New Yorker

I regret it infinitely.

The New York Times

I regret it".

The New Yorker

"I regret all death.

The New Yorker

I regret it immediately.

The Guardian

Do I regret it?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I regret" to express sincere remorse or apology for a specific action or decision. Ensure the context clearly indicates what you are regretting.

Common error

Avoid using "I regret" without specifying what you are regretting. Vague statements can sound insincere. Always clarify the action or decision you are expressing remorse for to make your apology or expression of regret more meaningful and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I regret" primarily functions as a declarative expression of remorse or apology. It is used to convey a feeling of sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened or something one has done. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I regret" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying remorse, apology, or disappointment. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While "I'm sorry" is a more general term, "I regret" specifically addresses sorrow for past actions. For effective writing, always specify what you regret to ensure sincerity. Consider alternatives like "I apologize" or "I wish I hadn't" to adjust the tone and emphasis. Understanding these nuances will help you use "I regret" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i wish i hadn't

Directly expresses a wish that something had not happened.

i'm sorry

A more common and versatile expression of regret or sympathy.

i apologize

Focuses on offering an apology rather than simply feeling regret.

i feel remorse

Emphasizes the feeling of deep regret and guilt.

i lament

A more formal and literary way to express sorrow or regret.

i deplore

Expresses strong disapproval and regret.

i rue

A more archaic and dramatic way to say "I regret".

i am disappointed

Expresses a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction, often implying regret.

it's my fault

Accepts responsibility for a mistake, often implying regret.

i take responsibility

Acknowledges accountability and often implies a sense of regret.

FAQs

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

Use "I regret" followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing) or a 'that' clause to specify what you are regretting. For example, "I regret saying that" or "I regret not listening to your advice".

What's a more formal way to say "I regret"?

More formal alternatives include "I deplore" or "I lament", which convey a deeper sense of sorrow or disapproval. However, be aware that these options are less frequently used.

What's the difference between "I regret" and "I'm sorry"?

"I'm sorry" is a more general expression of apology or sympathy, while "I regret" specifically expresses remorse or sorrow for a past action or decision. You might say "I'm sorry" to express condolences, but you would use "I regret" when you feel remorse for something you did.

Is it correct to say "I regret to inform you"?

Yes, "I regret to inform you" is a polite and formal way to deliver bad news. It's commonly used in professional or official communications.