it is regrettable that

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is regrettable that" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used in situations when you want to express regret or disappointment about something. For example, "It is regrettable that John has decided to leave the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

If so, it is regrettable that what often comes across instead is meanness of spirit.

Yale University

It is regrettable that the Court today does not accept that responsibility.

Cornell University

"It is regrettable that the people were gradually unwilling to listen to us".

The New York Times

Frankly it is regrettable that Pakistan has decided not to attend the conference in Bonn".

The New Yorker

Trumpism is fertile ground for Roth, and it is regrettable that he has retired from writing.

The New Yorker

It is regrettable that technical problems have undermined that artistic vision.

The Guardian - Arts

It is regrettable that some Arab countries take the Israeli side in its murderous choices.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is regrettable that" to introduce a statement of disappointment or concern, particularly in formal or professional contexts to maintain a respectful tone.

Common error

Avoid using "it is regrettable that" in casual conversations or informal writing; opt for simpler alternatives like "it's a shame" or "I'm sorry" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is regrettable that" functions as a sentence opener to introduce a statement expressing disappointment, sorrow, or concern about a particular situation or event. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is regrettable that" serves as a formal expression of disappointment or concern, commonly used in news, academic, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal settings. While highly versatile, it should be used judiciously in casual conversation, where less formal alternatives might be more suitable. Remember, the phrase signals a degree of seriousness and politeness, making it ideal for addressing significant issues with a respectful tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is unfortunate that

This alternative is more neutral and less formal.

It is a pity that

This expresses mild regret or disappointment.

It is a shame that

This suggests something is undesirable or a cause for regret.

I regret that

This is a more direct and personal expression of regret.

Sadly

This provides a concise way to introduce a piece of bad news.

It's disappointing that

This conveys a sense of unmet expectations.

It's a matter of regret that

This is a more formal and emphatic way of expressing regret.

One can only lament that

This expresses deep sorrow or regret in a formal tone.

I am sorry that

This expresses sorrow about a specific event.

It is lamentable that

This suggests deep sorrow or regret, more formal than "it is regrettable that".

FAQs

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

Use "it is regrettable that" to express disappointment or sorrow about a situation. For example, "It is regrettable that the meeting was canceled" or "It is regrettable that we couldn't reach an agreement".

What are some alternatives to "it is regrettable that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unfortunate that", "it is a pity that", or "I regret that" depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

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

It is appropriate in formal writing, professional correspondence, or when addressing a serious or disappointing situation. It conveys a sense of formality and considered disappointment.

Is "it is regrettable that" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "it's a shame" or "I'm sorry to hear that".