in regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of sorrow or remorse about something that has happened. Example: "She spoke to him in regret, wishing she had made a different choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He shook his head in regret.

The New Yorker

Khairi shook his head in regret.

The New Yorker

I don't live in regret".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Beef: do it or live in regret.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here he is strongest not in rage but in regret.

The New Yorker

"None of my friends will ever believe it," she exclaims in regret.

The New York Times - Books

"But I don't live in regret mode, and I'm a very happy investor".

The New York Times

Money and fame frame the narrator in regret and pangs of horror.

The New York Times

So now he is on his own: a lonely man, swamped in regret.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Sinking-in regret?

The New York Times - Arts

His misgivings about what he was doing suffuse the entire movie — for all its swing and verve — with built-in regret, the sense of an enterprise entered in quotation marks and made to be escaped from as quickly as possible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in regret" to express a feeling of sorrow about a past action or decision. For example, "He shook his head in regret, wishing he had made a different choice."

Common error

While "in regret" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound overly emotional. Consider alternatives like "with remorse" or rephrasing the sentence for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in regret" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a feeling is expressed. It adds emotional depth to the sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in regret" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express feelings of sorrow or remorse regarding a past action or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While its tone is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of potential overuse in highly formal writing. Consider synonyms such as "with remorse" or "with disappointment" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with remorse

Replaces "regret" with a more intense feeling of guilt or sorrow.

with contrition

Implies a deeper sense of remorse and a desire to make amends.

in retrospect

Similar to "in hindsight", emphasizing a review of the past.

with disappointment

Focuses on the feeling of being let down rather than necessarily regretting an action.

in hindsight

Focuses on understanding the mistake after the event occurred.

in sorrow

Emphasizes sadness and grief, which can accompany regret.

with misgivings

Emphasizes doubts or anxieties about a past decision.

with a sense of loss

Highlights the feeling of something being gone or unattainable due to a past action.

with lament

Highlights the act of mourning or expressing sorrow.

ruefully

Expresses regret in a way that is also slightly humorous or resigned.

FAQs

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

You can use "in regret" to express sorrow or remorse about a past action or situation. For example, "She spoke "in regret", wishing she had chosen a different path."

What phrases are similar to "in regret"?

Similar phrases include "with remorse", "with disappointment", or "in sorrow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "with regret" or "in regret"?

Both "with regret" and "in regret" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. However, "with regret" might be slightly more common in formal settings.

When should I avoid using the phrase "in regret"?

Consider avoiding "in regret" in highly formal or business contexts where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. In such cases, rephrasing the sentence or using a less emotionally charged alternative may be more appropriate.