profound regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a deep sense of sorrow or remorse about a situation or action. Example: "After realizing the impact of my words, I felt a profound regret for what I had said."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To his profound regret, she left with the rest.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The government expresses its profound regret over this incident.

The New York Times

MI5 today expressed "profound regret" for failing to prevent the 7/7 bombings.

Independent

Many Libyans outside the hospital also offered condolences and expressed profound regret for America's loss.

The New York Times

"I am left with the profound regret that I did not know her better".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This should be a source of profound regret for anyone who cares about cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

She told him she accepted his resignation 'with the most profound regret'.

The Guardian

"I wish to convey to the Philippine government and people my profound regret over the grounding of the U.S.S.

The New York Times

"I offer my profound regret and deepest condolences to the victims and their families," General Allen said in his statement.

The New York Times

Instead of its call for an apology for past injustices, he wanted an expression of "sorrow and profound regret".

The Economist

The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement in which Foreign Minister Shimon Peres "expressed profound regret" over Mr. Ciriello's death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profound regret", ensure the context justifies the intensity of the phrase. It's best suited for situations involving significant consequences or deep personal responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "profound regret" in situations where a simpler expression of apology or disappointment would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound regret" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object of a verb, expressing a deep sense of sorrow or remorse. It often follows verbs like 'express', 'feel', or 'convey'. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound regret" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express deep sorrow or remorse. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources. It's most common in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure its intensity aligns with the situation, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "deep sorrow" and "heartfelt regret".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartfelt regret

This option emphasizes the genuineness and depth of the feeling.

deep sorrow

This phrase emphasizes the emotional pain associated with the regret.

intense remorse

This phrase highlights the feeling of guilt and responsibility for a wrongdoing.

sincere apology

This shifts the focus to expressing contrition and seeking forgiveness.

deep contrition

This phrase suggests a humbled state and acknowledgment of fault.

keen disappointment

This phrase describes a strong feeling of sadness due to a loss.

extreme disappointment

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of sadness that follows a loss or unrealized expectation.

great sadness

This describes a feeling of general unhappiness and emotional pain.

bitter disappointment

Implies a strong feeling of sadness due to a loss or unrealized expectations

deep mourning

This phrase denotes a period of grief and sorrow, often following a death or significant loss.

FAQs

How can I use "profound regret" in a sentence?

You can use "profound regret" to express a deep sense of sorrow or remorse, such as, "I felt a "profound regret" for my actions."

What can I say instead of "profound regret"?

You can use alternatives like "deep sorrow", "intense remorse", or "heartfelt regret" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to express "profound regret" or offer a "sincere apology"?

While both express remorse, "profound regret" focuses on the feeling of sorrow, whereas a "sincere apology" explicitly seeks forgiveness and acknowledges responsibility. The best choice depends on the specific situation.

What is the difference between "profound regret" and "slight regret"?

"Profound regret" indicates a very deep and intense feeling of sorrow, while "slight regret" suggests a mild or superficial feeling of remorse. The choice depends on the depth of the feeling you wish to convey.