regret

USAGE SUMMARY

"regret" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You could use it when you want to express an emotion of sorrow for something that you have done or failed to do. For example, "I regret not spending more time with my family when I had the chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were wrong no matter the circumstance and I regret them".

The Guardian - Tech

I now regret it completely.

The New York Times

"I will always treasure my opportunity to have done that with you, and I will always regret the circumstances that brought that work with you to an end".

The New York Times

Whatever our politics there can never be justification, surely only regret".

The Guardian

We regret we cannot offer refunds where we have to change tutors or venues.

The Guardian

Do I regret it?

The New York Times

It claimed our credit rating was at risk, a claim it may yet regret.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's why I'm not rich, and I don't regret it at all".

The Guardian - Arts

However, he would regret it if the church lost its "credibility" among non-attenders who, he says, frequently feel warmly disposed to it "thanks to generations of love and service".

The Guardian

Harper, who was steering an immigration bill through the Commons that warns employers of their duty to check the status of employees, notified David Cameron on Friday, when his resignation was accepted "with regret".

The Guardian

You will never regret investing time in engaging your staff in the brand review and development process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms or related phrases to "regret", such as "remorse" or "second thoughts", to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

While "regret" is versatile, overuse in formal settings can make writing seem repetitive. Instead, opt for stronger verbs or more nuanced phrases like "reconsider" or "rectify" to convey specific actions and attitudes.

Linguistic Context

The word "regret" functions primarily as both a noun, denoting a feeling of sorrow or disappointment, and as a verb, indicating the act of feeling sorry about something. Ludwig examples show it expressing remorse over past actions or inactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regret" is a versatile term used to express sorrow or disappointment, functioning as both a noun and a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears often in diverse sources like news articles and personal narratives. For impactful writing, ensure that you clearly articulate the source of "regret" and consider using synonyms to convey specific nuances. While the word is suitable in formal writing, avoid overusing it. Overall, "regret" is a useful term, that may be replaced with similar ones such as "remorse" or "have second thoughts", to enrich the language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sorry for

Expresses a feeling of sadness or pity about a past action or event.

feel remorse

Focuses on the feeling of deep guilt and sorrow for wrongdoing.

wish it hadn't happened

Directly expresses a desire for a past event to be undone.

repent

Focuses on feeling contrition and seeking forgiveness for wrongdoing.

have second thoughts

Highlights the act of reconsidering a decision with potential regret.

have misgivings

Indicates feelings of doubt or apprehension after a decision.

rue the day

Emphasizes a strong feeling of regret, wishing something had never happened.

lament

Implies expressing sorrow or grief, often publicly.

be filled with sorrow

Highlights the emotional burden associated with past actions.

feel disappointment

Focuses on the unfulfillment of expectations, often leading to regret.

FAQs

How do you use "regret" in a sentence?

"Regret" can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun: "She felt a pang of regret". As a verb: "I regret my decision". Use the dictionary definition to ensure it fits the context.

What's the difference between "regret" and "remorse"?

"Regret" is a more general feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that has happened, while "remorse" implies a deeper sense of guilt and sorrow for wrongdoing. "Remorse" often involves taking responsibility for one's actions.

What can I say instead of "I regret" in an email?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "I'm sorry that", "I apologize for", or "I am disappointed that". The best choice will depend on the specific situation and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "I have no regrets"?

Yes, "I have no regrets" is a common and perfectly acceptable phrase. It means that you do not feel any sorrow or disappointment about anything that has happened in your past.