note of regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "note of regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing sorrow or disappointment about a situation, often in formal communication such as letters or emails. Example: "I would like to express a note of regret for the inconvenience caused by the delay in our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But he refused any note of regret.

The New Yorker

Why no note of regret or sympathy, even if bogus?

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is still a note of regret.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There may also be a note of regret.

The New Yorker

But there is still a note of regret.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We are," my friend said with a note of regret, "a ways off from that".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

As Ms. Sciulli and the architects reviewed the handsome work, improvised music materialized, starting in the courtyard and finding its way around the bathhouse and down the hall to the bedroom, like children chasing each other: brightly colored notes of regret, intrigue, deceit, relief and the expiring reprise of fate, like scenes from the movies.

The New York Times

Yet there was no triumphalism in this; there was, rather, a note of sombre regret.

The Guardian

Ayesha Dharker, in her Shakespeare Solo, adopts a note of poignant regret and infinite sadness: she turns the speech into a moving lament for mankind's fate.

The Guardian

One feels a note of personal regret and disappointment in Christopher's copious notes to "The Fall of Arthur" that is not always present in his editorship of many other incomplete Tolkien works.

The New York Times - Books

The new letter, to be published on the front page of the German newspaper Die Welt on Friday, makes no promises about Brexit – among the signatories is the Brexit-backing Conservatite MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan – but it shares the same note of poignant regret.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "note of regret" when you want to express a formal and somewhat understated expression of sorrow or disappointment. It's suitable for situations where a direct apology might be too strong, but an acknowledgment of the issue is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "note of regret" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and unnatural. Opt for simpler expressions like "I'm sorry" or "I regret" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "note of regret" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb like 'express', 'issue', or 'convey'. Ludwig's examples show it used in formal contexts to acknowledge unfortunate situations without necessarily admitting direct fault.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "note of regret" is a common noun phrase used to express a formal acknowledgment of sorrow or disappointment. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, academic, and business contexts. Alternatives include "expression of remorse" or "statement of contrition". While appropriate for formal situations, overusing it in informal settings can sound unnatural. This analysis provides guidance on its proper usage, common errors to avoid, and semantically related phrases for a nuanced expression of regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of remorse

Replaces "note" with "expression" and "regret" with "remorse", emphasizing deep sorrow for wrongdoing.

statement of contrition

Similar to "note of regret", but "contrition" highlights sincere remorse and penitence.

apology

A concise alternative that directly conveys an expression of regret or sorrow for a fault or offense.

declaration of sorrow

Uses "declaration" instead of "note", making it a more formal expression of sadness.

acknowledgment of error

Focuses on admitting a mistake, implying regret without explicitly stating it.

feeling of rue

Emphasizes a sense of sorrow or regret, often tinged with bitterness or disappointment.

admission of fault

Highlights the act of taking responsibility for an error, suggesting an underlying feeling of regret.

show of penitence

Conveys an outward display of regret and a desire to atone for wrongdoing.

hint of disappointment

A milder expression, suggesting a slight feeling of regret rather than deep sorrow.

whisper of apology

Implies a subtle or understated expression of regret, often delivered in a hushed tone.

FAQs

How can I use "note of regret" in a sentence?

You can use "note of regret" to express sorrow or disappointment about a situation. For example, "The company issued a "note of regret" for the product recall."

What can I say instead of "note of regret"?

You can use alternatives like "expression of remorse", "apology", or "statement of contrition" depending on the context.

Is "note of regret" formal or informal?

"Note of regret" leans toward the formal side. Simpler expressions are generally preferred in informal settings.

What is the difference between "note of regret" and "apology"?

While both convey a sense of sorrow, "apology" is a direct expression of remorse for a wrongdoing. "Note of regret" can be used more broadly to acknowledge an unfortunate situation, even if no specific fault is admitted.