regret not having

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase regret not having is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express regret over not having something or not doing something. For example: "I regret not having taken the initiative to ask for a raise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I regret not having taken them.

The New Yorker

I can't regret not having children.

Independent

Do I regret not having children?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I really regret not having it.

The Guardian - Music

CN I regret not having been born very rich.

The New York Times

Maybe I'll regret not having children at some point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do you regret not having a lifelong partner?

The Guardian - Music

Does he, I wonder, regret not having children?

The Guardian - Books

If anything, I regret not having met Alex sooner.

The New Yorker

I regret not having previously explored the etymology of apology.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I regret not having been here – we were in despair.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regret not having" to express a specific feeling of disappointment about a past action or inaction. It is suitable when reflecting on personal choices and their consequences.

Common error

While "regret not having" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "wish I had" or rephrasing the sentence to convey the same sentiment more elegantly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regret not having" functions as a verb phrase expressing remorse or disappointment about a past action or experience that was missed or not undertaken. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "regret not having" is a common and grammatically sound way to express disappointment or remorse about a past action or inaction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, reflecting personal reflections and missed opportunities. When using this phrase, consider the tone and audience, and feel free to explore synonyms to add variety to your writing. Avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Top authoritative sources include The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish I had

Expresses a wish for a past action to have been different; direct substitution emphasizing desire.

I'm sorry I didn't

Direct expression of sorrow over a missed action; highlights personal regret.

it's a shame I missed out on

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of missing an opportunity or experience.

I lament not experiencing

Formal expression of grief over a missed experience; introduces a sense of sorrow.

I mourn the lack of

Expresses grief over something not possessed or experienced; stronger emotional tone.

I am filled with regret for not

Highlights the feeling of regret and its intensity; focuses on the emotion itself.

if only I had done

Expresses a desire to change a past action, focusing on potential outcomes.

I feel remorse for not

Expresses a deep sense of guilt and regret over a missed action.

it's regrettable that I didn't

Highlights the regretful nature of a missed action; focuses on the action's impact.

I rue the day I didn't

Expresses strong regret and sorrow, often implying long-lasting consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "regret not having" to express disappointment about a past action or inaction, such as "I "regret not having" studied harder for the exam" or "She "regrets not having" traveled more when she was younger".

What are some alternatives to "regret not having"?

Some alternatives to "regret not having" include phrases like "wish I had", "I'm sorry I didn't", or "it's a shame I missed out on", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "regret to not have" instead of "regret not having"?

While "regret to not have" might seem grammatically plausible, ""regret not having"" is the more idiomatic and commonly used construction in English. The gerund form (having) is preferred after the verb "regret" in this context.

When is it appropriate to use "regret not having" in writing?

It's appropriate to use ""regret not having"" when you want to express a specific sense of disappointment or remorse over a missed opportunity or action in the past. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the tone and audience.