i regret doing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I regret doing that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing remorse or disappointment about a past action or decision. Example: "After reflecting on my choices, I realize that I regret doing that and wish I had handled the situation differently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The only time I regret doing that was when my wife came in afterward and told me: 'Alexis Smith was looking for you.

The New York Times

I regret doing that, and I apologized to them for doing that.

TechCrunch

And do I regret doing that?

Huffington Post

I have never talked to a person who shed relationships in reinvention and later said "I regret doing that".

Huffington Post

But I regret doing that.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I do not regret doing that trip.

Huffington Post

"I think they will regret doing that over time," Heinlein said.

The New York Times - Sports

"How could I regret doing something that has united all of Greece?" said Vaxevanis.

Huffington Post

I really never regretted doing that because it was so much fun with Joan Baez, Bob.

Huffington Post

So I guess I regret not doing that because I would have been closer to Mark and Zynga as a result.

Forbes

I really regret not doing that -- even if I had to take the trip alone.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i regret doing that" to express remorse or disappointment for a past action, especially when reflecting on its consequences. Consider the context to determine if a more formal or informal expression of regret is appropriate.

Common error

While "i regret doing that" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "i wish i hadn't done that" or "i shouldn't have done that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i regret doing that" functions as a declarative statement expressing remorse or disappointment regarding a past action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The examples show it is used to reflect on choices and their consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i regret doing that" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey remorse or disappointment about a past action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While relatively uncommon, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, consider varying your language by using synonyms like "i wish i hadn't done that" to prevent repetition. Be sure to use "i regret doing that" when referring to a past action and not a future one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i wish i hadn't done that

Expresses a wish to undo a past action, focusing on the desire for a different outcome.

i'm sorry i did that

Conveys an apology for a past action, directly expressing regret.

i shouldn't have done that

Indicates a realization that the action was ill-advised or inappropriate.

i feel bad about doing that

Expresses a feeling of guilt or remorse about a past action.

in hindsight, i regret that

Adds the perspective of looking back and realizing the mistake.

i lament having done that

Uses more formal language to express deep sorrow or regret.

i rue the day i did that

Expresses a strong feeling of regret, often with a sense of ongoing consequences.

that was a mistake on my part

Shifts the focus to acknowledging the error as one's own.

i made a mistake when i did that

Directly states that the action was an error in judgment.

i'm filled with regret over that action

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the regret felt.

FAQs

How can I use "i regret doing that" in a sentence?

Use "i regret doing that" to express feelings of remorse or disappointment about a past action. For example, "Looking back, I "regret doing that" because it hurt my friend's feelings."

What can I say instead of "i regret doing that"?

You can use alternatives like "i wish I hadn't done that", "I'm sorry I did that", or "I shouldn't have done that depending on the context".

Which is correct, "i regret doing that" or "i regret to do that"?

"I regret doing that" is correct when referring to a past action. "I regret to do that" is used when expressing reluctance about a future action, which changes the meaning entirely.

What's the difference between "i regret doing that" and "i regret that"?

"I regret doing that" refers specifically to a past action you performed. "I regret that" is a more general statement of regret, which can refer to a situation, event, or anything else. For example, "I "regret that" the event was cancelled".