it is regretfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is regretfully" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing sorrow or disappointment about a situation or decision. Example: "It is regretfully necessary to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But you know what, I am regretfully prepared to predict that the next time we have a climate change conference, in Bonn, Lady Ashton and Mr Van Rompuy will not lead the first paragraphs of world press reports either.The new world order is still shaking out.

The Economist

The topic I have chosen to discuss is regretfully as controversial to some as it is fascinating to me, but as A. T. Still, the founder of Ostepathic Medicine, once said, "I have no desire to be a cat, which walks so lightly that it never creates a disturbance".

Huffington Post

As a result, the total FPR is regretfully high at 1.07 as the HMMER algorithm reaches its limit of detection.

Biology Direct

"The Gehry design is, regretfully, unworkable".

The New York Times - Arts

For so many Jews, especially in America, the answer is, regretfully, nothing.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, the technology for increased solar and wind power is available now but is regretfully under-utilized.

Huffington Post

"He is regretfully aware that a large number of voters from minority communities, in particular the Rohingya, were denied the right to vote and some were disqualified as candidates," Ban Ki-moon's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement.

Huffington Post

The study design is regretfully subject to immortal time bias (4).

Diabetes Care

The political murder of Richard II was regretfully trimmed as it all happened before Joanna even set sail for England.

Independent

The voice rises in volume and, with an exaggerated roll of the "r", the senator points out that the founding fathers talked of "treason" as a reason to remove a president from office, not the sins of Mr Clinton.But it is getting late; the tutorial must end; the second tumbler of sherry must be regretfully declined.

The Economist

Billionaire Malaysian owner Vincent Tan said the dismissal was "regretfully" necessary to be fair to the club and its fans.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is regretfully" when you want to convey a sense of sorrow or disappointment, particularly in formal or official communications. Consider the tone of your writing and ensure the phrase aligns with the overall message.

Common error

Avoid using "it is regretfully" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or unnatural. Opt for simpler expressions like "I'm sorry" or "Unfortunately" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is regretfully" functions as an adverbial modifier, expressing the manner in which something is being stated or done. According to Ludwig, it indicates a feeling of regret or sorrow accompanying the announcement or action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is regretfully" is used to express regret or disappointment, typically in formal or professional contexts. While grammatically correct, it's not a very common phrase, tending to appear in news and media or scientific publications. As confirmed by Ludwig, using simpler, more direct alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. Understanding this nuance ensures effective communication across diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is regrettable that

Uses the adjective "regrettable" instead of the adverb "regretfully", modifying the sentence.

I regret to say that it is

Replaces the adverb "regretfully" with the phrase "I regret to say that", altering the sentence structure.

It is with regret that

Uses the preposition "with" to express the regret, resulting in a more formal tone.

It is a matter of regret that

Expresses regret by framing it as "a matter of regret", changing the sentence structure.

With regret, it is

Inverts the structure to begin with "with regret", emphasizing the feeling.

Unfortunately, it is

Substitutes "regretfully" with the more common adverb "unfortunately", making the sentence less emphatic.

Regretfully, it must be said that it is

Adds the phrase "it must be said that" for emphasis and formality.

It is disappointing to

Replaces "regretfully" with "disappointing", shifting the focus to the feeling of disappointment.

It is lamentable that

Replaces "regretfully" with "lamentable", giving a more formal and sorrowful tone.

It is sad to

Uses the adjective "sad" to convey a sense of sorrow, making the sentence more emotional.

FAQs

How can I use "it is regretfully" in a sentence?

The phrase "it is regretfully" is typically used to express disappointment or sorrow when announcing an unfavorable decision or situation. For example, "It is regretfully necessary to inform you of the budget cuts."

What can I say instead of "it is regretfully"?

You can use alternatives like "I regret to inform you", "unfortunately", or "with regret" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is regretfully" or "it is regrettable"?

"It is regretfully" uses an adverb to modify the verb, whereas "it is regrettable" uses an adjective to describe the situation. Both can be correct depending on the intended meaning; however, the latter is much more common.

When should I use "it is regretfully" versus "I regret to say"?

"It is regretfully" is a more impersonal phrasing, suitable for announcements. "I regret to say" is more direct and personal, best used when conveying your own feelings about a situation.