pang of regret

USAGE SUMMARY

"pang of regret" is correct and usable in written English, and it is often used when referring to a sharp feeling of sorrow or remorse.
For example, "She felt a sharp pang of regret when she realized that she had made a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I instantly felt a pang of regret.

The New York Times

Lan admits to a pang of regret.

The Guardian

All the same, it causes a pang of regret.

The Guardian

While drinking and flirting at a book party, the author feels a pang of regret.

The New Yorker

Every time we finish one of these talks, I have a pang of regret.

The New Yorker

The pang of regret will be felt more keenly by France.

The Guardian - Sport

Already I'm feeling a pang of regret at leaving the rarified world of mountains and art.

The Guardian - Travel

I looked back and felt another pang of regret, this one a surprise.

The New York Times

They should make sure that Harry Reid knows how they feel, so he doesn't suffer another pang of regret.

The New York Times

But it was still hard to watch the final episode of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" without a pang of regret.

The New York Times - Arts

Does he ever feel a pang of regret for the Ryanair past, the loudmouthed, customer-baiting, truculent misanthropes of old?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pang of regret" to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of sorrow or disappointment, often related to a past action or decision. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the immediacy and intensity of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "pang of regret" to describe a long-term feeling of sadness or general dissatisfaction. This phrase is best suited for capturing a specific, acute moment of remorse, not a chronic state of unhappiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pang of regret" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb such as 'feel' or 'cause'. It describes a sudden, sharp feeling of remorse or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pang of regret" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a sudden, sharp feeling of sorrow or disappointment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's effective in conveying the immediacy and intensity of this emotion. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in academic and business contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While synonyms like "moment of remorse" or "fleeting sense of sorrow" exist, "pang of regret" is particularly apt for capturing that specific, acute moment of remorse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment of remorse

Focuses on the feeling of guilt or wrongdoing.

fleeting sense of sorrow

Emphasizes the brief duration and the emotion of sadness.

wave of disappointment

Highlights the feeling of unfulfillment or frustration.

twinge of guilt

Similar to remorse, but implies a sharper, more sudden feeling.

sharp stab of sadness

Focuses on the intensity and painful nature of the emotion.

sudden feeling of remorse

Emphasizes the sudden onset and nature of remorse.

brief wave of sorrow

Highlights the concise nature and sadness of feeling.

a touch of repentance

Focuses on the feeling of wishing one had acted differently.

a shadow of disappointment

Implies a lingering feeling of disillusionment.

a prick of conscience

Suggests a moral or ethical awareness of wrongdoing.

FAQs

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

You can use "pang of regret" to describe a sudden feeling of sadness or remorse about something. For example: "She felt a "pang of regret" when she remembered the harsh words she'd spoken."

What are some synonyms for "pang of regret"?

Alternatives to "pang of regret" include "moment of remorse", "fleeting sense of sorrow", or "wave of disappointment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a pang of regret" or simply "pang of regret"?

Both "a pang of regret" and "pang of regret" are grammatically correct, but "a pang of regret" is more common, as it treats the feeling as a distinct, countable instance.

What's the difference between "pang of regret" and "feeling regretful"?

"Pang of regret" describes a specific, sharp instance of remorse. "Feeling regretful" describes a more general and ongoing state of being filled with regret.