it is regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is regrettable" is a grammatically correct sentence and it can be used in written English.
Example Sentence: It is regrettable that the traffic jam prevented me from arriving at my appointment on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is regrettable.

The Guardian - Music

"It is regrettable," he said.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"Obviously, it is regrettable," the senior American military spokesman, Brig.

The New York Times

It is regrettable that McGeough chose not to do it.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"It is regrettable that this action has been necessary.

The Guardian

On another, more important level, it is regrettable and dangerous".

The New York Times

"It is regrettable because meanwhile lives are being lost".

The Guardian

It is regrettable, but I have accepted the resignation".

The Guardian

The show's timing is as ideal as it is regrettable.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is regrettable" when you want to express a formal sense of disappointment or sorrow about a particular situation or event. Ensure the context aligns with this level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "it is regrettable" in casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's a pity" or "it's unfortunate" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is regrettable" functions as an expressive statement conveying disappointment or sorrow. It commonly introduces a situation or fact that is considered unfortunate, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is regrettable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey disappointment or sorrow in formal contexts. According to Ludwig, it is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, demonstrating its versatility in expressing regret across various domains. When a less formal tone is preferable, alternatives such as "it is unfortunate" or "it's a pity" may be more appropriate. Overall, while a very common expression, it has to be used in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unfortunate

Emphasizes the lack of favorable circumstances; slightly less formal.

it is a pity

Highlights the feeling of sadness or disappointment about something.

it is a shame

Expresses disappointment that something did not happen or is not the case.

it is disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of being let down or unsatisfied.

it is sad

Conveys a general feeling of unhappiness or sorrow.

it is a matter of regret

Formal and emphatic, underlining the feeling of remorse.

it's a cause for regret

Highlights the reason for feeling sorry or disappointed.

i regret to say

Introduces bad news or an admission of something unfortunate.

i am sorry to say

A personal expression of regret when delivering bad news.

it's lamentable

Formal and emphatic, expressing deep sorrow or disappointment.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is regrettable" to express disappointment or sorrow about a situation. For example, "It is regrettable that the meeting was canceled" or "It is regrettable that we could not come to an agreement".

What's the difference between "it is regrettable" and "it is unfortunate"?

"It is regrettable" is a more formal and emphatic expression of disappointment or sorrow compared to "it is unfortunate". While both convey a sense of misfortune, "it is regrettable" implies a deeper sense of sorrow or a more serious situation.

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

You can use alternatives like "it is unfortunate", "it is a pity", or "it is a shame" depending on the context. These options vary in formality and intensity.

When is it appropriate to use "it is regrettable"?

"It is regrettable" is appropriate in formal writing or speech when you want to express a strong sense of disappointment, sorrow, or regret about a specific event or situation. It is often used in official statements, formal correspondence, or when discussing serious matters.