Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

it's regrettable that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(6)

it's unfortunate that

it's a pity that

it's disappointing that

I regret to say that

it's a shame that

i regret that

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It's regrettable that the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office has decided to charge its local Korean brokerage unit, Deutsche Securities Korea (DSK)," the bank said in the statement.

News & Media

The New York Times

Gosh, it's regrettable that the markets aren't confirming my warnings!

News & Media

The New York Times

But it's regrettable that it happened this way".

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

"It's regrettable that many people don't read books but still wish for the Nobel Prize".

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It's regrettable that North Korea makes these absurd demands as part of its propaganda".

News & Media

The New York Times

(It's regrettable that most productions of this classic now update the action).

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Suite101.com's Hana Lewis thought it was "regrettable" that the pilot's jokes revolved "solely around gay stereotypes and sexual innuendo".

Wiki

Wikipedia

It is regrettable that Terry's research became "Sara's findings" and fueled such intense public attention.

Science & Research

Science Magazine

The council's chief executive said it was "regrettable" that further cuts would be made.

News & Media

BBC

"It is regrettable that Anthony chose this course," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It is regrettable that this is the way it is".

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's regrettable that" to express disappointment or mild disapproval in a polite and formal way. Follow it with a clear explanation of what you find regrettable to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While useful, relying too heavily on "it's regrettable that" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms such as "it's unfortunate that" or "it's a pity that" to maintain reader engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's regrettable that" functions as an introductory expression to convey a sense of disappointment or disapproval. It sets the tone for expressing a negative sentiment towards a particular situation or event, softening the impact of direct criticism. Ludwig provides many examples showing this phrase in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

Wiki

Less common in

Science

Encyclopedias

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's regrettable that" is a common phrase used to express disappointment or mild disapproval in a polite and relatively formal way. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying considered judgment. For alternative phrasings, consider "it's unfortunate that" or "it's disappointing that". Avoiding overuse will keep your writing fresh and engaging.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a pity that

Similar in meaning but slightly less formal.

it's unfortunate that

Emphasizes the bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.

it's a shame that

Expresses a sense of loss or missed opportunity.

i regret that

More personal and direct, indicating the speaker's own feeling of regret.

it's disappointing that

Focuses on the feeling of letdown or disillusionment.

it's sad that

Expresses sorrow or unhappiness about the situation.

it's a matter of regret that

More formal and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the regret.

it's deplorable that

Stronger expression of disapproval, suggesting moral offense.

it's lamentable that

Formal and suggests deep sorrow or mourning.

it's a crying shame that

More emphatic and informal way of expressing regret or disappointment.

FAQs

What does "it's regrettable that" mean?

The phrase "it's regrettable that" is used to express disappointment, disapproval, or a sense of loss about a particular situation or event. It indicates that something is unfortunate or undesirable.

When is it appropriate to use "it's regrettable that"?

It is appropriate to use "it's regrettable that" in formal or semi-formal contexts when you want to express disappointment or mild criticism politely. It's suitable for professional communications, news reports, and academic writing.

What are some alternatives to "it's regrettable that"?

You can use alternatives like "it's unfortunate that", "it's disappointing that", or "I regret to say that", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

How can I use "it's regrettable that" in a sentence?

You can use "it's regrettable that" followed by a clause explaining what you find regrettable. For example, "It's regrettable that the project was delayed" or "It's regrettable that more people aren't aware of this issue."

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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it's regrettable thatGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

it's regrettable that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples