lament that

USAGE SUMMARY

"lament that" is a correct usage in written English.
It is used to describe expressing sorrow or regret about something. For example, "He lamented that he had not followed his dreams when he was younger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a lament that applies across the board.

The New York Times

It is a lament that has resonated ever since.

The Guardian - Film

Then there was the all-purpose lament that came back to me like a refrain.

University of California, Berkeley

It was a lament: that was the kind of song it was.

The New Yorker

And this nagging pessimism gives rise to a lament that has gained currency recently.

The Economist

It is the kind of lament that is often echoed by intellectual persuasions of all kinds.

Forbes

Villas-Boas would lament that moment.

The Guardian - Sport

The easy thing is to lament that.

The Guardian - Film

Bloggers lament that American Girl has sold its soul.

The New Yorker

Some lament that sport is no longer separate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It could not simply lament that it was being misunderstood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lament that", clearly state the reason for your sorrow or disappointment to avoid ambiguity. This ensures that your audience understands the specific cause of your regret.

Common error

While "lament that" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "regret that" or "deplore that" to add nuance and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lament that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It expresses a feeling of sorrow, regret, or disappointment about the content of the clause. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, indicating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lament that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express sorrow or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While effective, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "regret that" or "deplore that" for varied expression. The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, making it versatile for different writing styles. Remember to clearly state the reason for your sorrow when using "lament that" to prevent any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lament the fact that

Adds a bit more emphasis than simply saying "lament that".

regret that

Focuses specifically on feeling sorrow or remorse for a past action or event.

express regret that

A more formal way to convey feelings of sorrow or disappointment.

deplore that

Indicates strong disapproval and condemnation of something.

bemoan that

Emphasizes expressing sorrow or complaint, often repeatedly.

mourn that

Suggests a deep sorrow or grief, usually for a loss.

rue the fact that

Highlights a feeling of regret coupled with acceptance of an undesirable truth.

feel sorrow that

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of sadness and regret.

be disappointed that

Highlights a feeling of unmet expectations or dissatisfaction.

be sorry that

A more general and simple way to express regret or sympathy.

FAQs

How can I use "lament that" in a sentence?

Use "lament that" to express disappointment or sorrow about a specific situation or outcome. For example, "I "lament that" the project was not completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "lament that"?

Alternatives include "regret that", "deplore that", "bemoan that", or "mourn that", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lament that" in formal writing?

Yes, "lament that" is suitable for formal writing when expressing disappointment or regret in a serious or reflective tone. However, consider the overall tone of your piece and whether a more direct synonym might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "lament that" and "complain that"?

"Lament that" expresses sorrow or regret, while "complain that" indicates dissatisfaction or annoyance. For instance, you might "lament that" a friend moved away, but "complain that" the coffee is too weak.