list of regrets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "list of regrets" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when talking about things that one wishes they had done differently or feelings of remorse about past actions. Example: After his mother passed away, Jack sat alone in his room, looking at the list of regrets he had written down over the years. Each unfulfilled promise, each missed opportunity, and each hurtful word weighed heavy on his heart. He wished he could turn back time and make things right.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

My list of regrets may seem unusual, but who can know that they are, really.

The New Yorker

It's hardly surprising that tenants have a long list of regrets about renting.

The Guardian - Money

And yet Mr Bush does not allow his list of regrets to tarnish a jaunty self-assessment.

The Economist

Such executives have a long list of regrets: They wish they had unified the leadership team right away.

Harvard Business Review

'If I could, I would finish school.' What was poignant to me was that he kept this list of regrets that ended up never happening.

The Guardian - Arts

Their fightback was magnificent but, when the dust had settled, they could add the lack of early concentration to their list of regrets.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Many of the prisoners are young fathers with plenty of time to ponder long lists of regrets, with their children, often little known and less seen, at the top of those lists.

The New York Times

Groupo has been loved, worshipped, and feared throughout the ages, but all he asks of his followers is that they write a list of their regrets on a slip of paper and throw it into a backyard or municipal regret hole.

TechCrunch

Below is the list of each regret along with an excerpt from the book.

Huffington Post

To the long list of drawbacks and regrets of modern life, let the following item be added: if only more elevator security videos had high quality audio.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dave, another swinger friend, says: "I had a threesome on two occasions, both of which rank very high on my list of most profound regrets".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context of the "list of regrets". Is it for personal reflection, a fictional character's arc, or a business analysis? Tailor the tone and detail accordingly.

Common error

Avoid populating your "list of regrets" solely with unachieved aspirations. A true regret stems from actions taken or not taken that led to undesirable outcomes, not just missed opportunities. Distinguish between what you actively did (or didn't do) to cause the regret versus simply wishing for something you never pursued.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "list of regrets" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It names a collection of regrettable actions or decisions. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal reflection to political analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "list of regrets" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys a collection of past actions or decisions one wishes to have done differently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across various reputable sources, especially in "News & Media". While alternatives like "catalogue of regrets" or "inventory of regrets" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: a reflective compilation of regrettable actions. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to effectively communicate the nature and impact of those regrets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catalogue of regrets

Replaces 'list' with 'catalogue', emphasizing a more detailed and extensive compilation.

inventory of regrets

Substitutes 'list' with 'inventory', suggesting a systematic and comprehensive enumeration of regrets.

collection of regrets

Uses 'collection' instead of 'list', implying a gathering of various regrets.

compendium of regrets

Replaces 'list' with 'compendium', indicating a concise but comprehensive summary of regrets.

register of regrets

Employs 'register' to convey a formal or official record of regrets.

record of regrets

Suggests a documented history or account of regrettable actions or events.

accumulation of regrets

Focuses on the gradual increase or build-up of regrets over time.

summary of regrets

Indicates a condensed version highlighting the main points of regretful experiences.

roll call of regrets

Implies a structured recitation or enumeration of individual regrets.

spectrum of regrets

Replaces 'list' with 'spectrum', suggesting range or variety of different kinds of regrets.

FAQs

How can I use "list of regrets" in a sentence?

You can use "list of regrets" to describe a collection of things someone wishes they had done differently. For example: "Reflecting on his life, he compiled a "list of regrets", hoping to learn from his past mistakes."

What are some alternatives to saying "list of regrets"?

Alternatives include "catalogue of regrets", "inventory of regrets", or "collection of regrets", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "list of regrets"?

Yes, "list of regrets" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted way to refer to a compilation of regrettable actions or decisions.

What's the difference between a "list of regrets" and a "list of wishes"?

A "list of regrets" focuses on past actions or inactions that caused negative outcomes, while a "list of wishes" concerns future desires or aspirations. One looks back with remorse, the other looks forward with hope.