regret doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regret doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing remorse or sorrow for having done something. For example, "I regret doing that, it was a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I regret doing it.

The New York Times - Sports

Do I regret doing it?

The Guardian - Business

I immediately regret doing it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'll never regret doing it.

The Guardian

Do you regret doing that?

The New York Times

But do I regret doing it?

The New York Times

And those who stayed say they regret doing so.

The New York Times

And you never regret doing it too soon.

The New York Times

No, I don't regret doing it in the least.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Abner Mikva, the former judge who introduced Wermiel to Brennan, now seems to regret doing so.

The New Yorker

"I regret doing it, and I never will do it again".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regret doing" when you want to express a sense of remorse or wishing you hadn't taken a particular action. It's suitable for reflecting on past choices.

Common error

Avoid using "regret to do" when you mean "regret doing". "Regret to do" implies that you are about to announce something unfortunate, while "regret doing" reflects on a past action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regret doing" functions as a verb phrase expressing remorse or disappointment about a past action. Ludwig provides many examples, illustrating how it typically follows a subject and expresses a negative sentiment toward a completed action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regret doing" is a versatile phrase used to express remorse or disappointment concerning past actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects your intention to convey regret about a past action, and be mindful not to confuse it with "regret to do", which serves a different purpose. Alternatives like "wish I hadn't done" or "feel sorry for doing" can provide nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish I hadn't done

Focuses on the desire to undo the action, expressing regret in a slightly different structural format.

regret the action of doing

This is a bit more specific in that it explicitly refers to "the action" itself, instead of just the verb.

feel sorry for doing

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow associated with the action more directly.

bitterly regret doing

Adds intensity to the feeling of regret, emphasizing the depth of disappointment or sorrow.

repent doing

Implies a more formal and profound sense of remorse than "regret doing".

have second thoughts about doing

Highlights the reconsideration and doubt about the action after it's been done.

be remorseful for doing

Directly states the feeling of remorse, highlighting the ethical or moral dimension of the regret.

rue doing

Offers a slightly more literary or archaic alternative to "regret doing".

deplore doing

Indicates strong disapproval and regret, often used in more formal contexts.

lament having done

Expresses deep sorrow or mourning over the completed action, adding a tone of grief.

FAQs

How do I use "regret doing" in a sentence?

Use "regret doing" to express remorse about a past action. For example, "I "regret doing" that; it was a mistake."

What can I say instead of "regret doing"?

You can use alternatives like "wish I hadn't done", "feel sorry for doing", or "repent doing", depending on the context.

Is "regret to do" the same as "regret doing"?

No, "regret to do" is used to introduce bad news (e.g. "I regret to inform you"), while ""regret doing"" expresses remorse for a past action. They have different meanings and usages.

What's the difference between "regret doing" and "regretting doing"?

"Regret doing" is more common. "Regretting doing" is also correct, but it adds a slight emphasis on the ongoing feeling of regret. Both express remorse for a past action, but using the gerund emphasizes the continuous nature of that feeling.