regret for not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regret for not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing remorse or disappointment about not having done something. Example: "I feel a deep regret for not taking the opportunity when it was presented to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

expresses regret for not having the opportunity to hear her son lecture.

Princeton University

Afterward, he was consumed with regret for not going, friends said.

The New York Times

He expressed a measure of regret for not having pressed G4S to take more action.

The New York Times

In some ways, I felt regret for not being there, for sitting on the "wrong" side of the screen.

The New York Times

More than one media giant has expressed regret for not having bought America Online when it was cheaper.

The New York Times

He expressed regret for not pushing to have the band inducted when he himself was, sixteen years ago.

The New Yorker

Others remember Rwanda, where President Bill Clinton later expressed regret for not acting to save innocent lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Former President Bill Clinton has also expressed regret for not regulating derivatives, but it's not clear what he might do about his concerns).

The New York Times

leaders about the problem, but did not alert other officials within the Justice Department; he has since expressed regret for not sounding a wider alarm.

The New York Times

He also expressed regret for not responding more aggressively to the revelation about Wide Receiver, which he learned about as Operation Fast and Furious was still under way.

The New York Times

Many directors expressed regret for not having responded to the symptoms of weakness they had seen earlier, now more recognizable than before.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying a milder feeling of disappointment, consider alternatives like "disappointment for not" or "wishing I had" for a more nuanced expression.

Common error

While "regret for not" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound overly sentimental or informal. In professional settings, consider more direct and assertive alternatives, like stating the missed opportunity and its consequences without explicitly expressing regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regret for not" functions as a prepositional phrase typically used to express feelings of remorse, disappointment, or sadness regarding a missed action or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage of this phrase is perfectly valid in written English. Examples in Ludwig show this phrase used in news, academic papers, and general writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "regret for not" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey feelings of remorse or disappointment concerning a missed opportunity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity. It appears most often in news and media contexts, with significant presence in scientific and academic writing as well. While interchangeable with alternatives like "remorse for not" or "wishing I had", it's essential to consider the subtle differences in connotation to best suit the intended meaning. As Ludwig examples highlight, this is applicable across diverse contexts and levels of formality and it is suitable for everyday writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remorse for not

Replaces "regret" with "remorse", emphasizing a deeper feeling of guilt.

feelings of regret for not

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating "feelings of regret", making the sentiment more pronounced.

disappointment for not

Substitutes "regret" with "disappointment", focusing on the feeling of being let down.

sorrow for not

Replaces "regret" with "sorrow", highlighting a feeling of sadness.

wishing I had

Simplifies the expression to a more direct statement of wishing a past action had occurred.

lament for not

Uses "lament" instead of "regret", suggesting a more formal or expressive feeling of grief.

if only I had

Expresses a wistful longing for a different outcome.

I should have

Shortens the phrase to a concise statement of a missed opportunity.

rue for not

Employs "rue" as a synonym for "regret", indicating a sense of bitterness or repentance.

pity for not

Replaces "regret" with "pity", focusing on a sense of compassion for the missed opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "regret for not" in a sentence?

You can use "regret for not" to express disappointment or remorse about something you didn't do. For example, "I have a deep "regret for not" pursuing my dreams when I was younger."

What are some alternatives to "regret for not"?

Some alternatives include "remorse for not", "disappointment for not", or "wishing I had". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it better to say "regret not doing" or "regret for not doing"?

"Regret not doing" is more concise, while "regret for not doing" is more explicit. Both are grammatically correct, but "regret for not doing" may provide greater clarity in some contexts.

What's the difference between "regret for not" and "apology for not"?

"Regret for not" expresses sadness or disappointment about a missed opportunity, while "apology for not" conveys remorse and a request for forgiveness for failing to do something. "I feel a "regret for not" attending the meeting" vs "I offer my "apology for not" completing the task on time."