regretful for

USAGE SUMMARY

"regretful for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that feels or expresses regret about something. For example, "The team was regretful for their performance in the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Galina was, however, privately regretful for a couple of months.

The New Yorker

"I sent him a text yesterday saying I'm sorry and I'm pretty regretful for what happened".

The New York Times - Sports

"I even hurt a couple of people, which I am very regretful for".

The New York Times

"I am sincerely regretful for my mistake in taking a prohibited stimulant," Ruiz said in a statement.

The New York Times - Sports

"He recognizes that this is an unfortunate situation and he is regretful for his actions," he said.

The New York Times

"Being proud of the achievements by the people's efforts in the Motherland, I am regretful for not contributing anything".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Now I feel regretful, and sorry for the people of Lanzhou".

The New York Times

This is a very regretful decision for me.

The Guardian

The title alone says a lot: it is from the German word "ostalgie," which represents a mood of regretful longing for the former, more stable order of things.

The New York Times

There, as his second wife swept the compound and Enatnesh's 9-year-old half-brother sat in the shade, Mr. Demissie, 58, offered a regretful explanation for his decision to divorce his first wife.

The New York Times

Mainly, though, she was purposeful: a steady gaze; an orderly mind (she would often ask for "a second of focus" while collecting her thoughts, to fend off the sins of repetition and digression); and a tolerant, regretful sympathy for those around her whose heads were filled with idle thoughts or low-quality data.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regretful for" when you want to express a sense of sorrow or remorse specifically related to an action, event or situation. For example, "I am regretful for the mistake I made."

Common error

Avoid using "regretful for" interchangeably with phrases like "sorry for" or "remorseful about" without considering the nuances. "Sorry" can be more general, while "remorseful" implies a deeper sense of guilt. "Regretful" lands in between, suggesting a sense of disappointment and sorrow. Make sure to use the one that matches the specific nuance you intend to express.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regretful for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It describes a state of feeling or expressing regret or sorrow for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regretful for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express remorse or sorrow for something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a usable phrase in written English, generally holding a neutral tone appropriate for various contexts. Though common in News & Media, its use extends to Science and Wiki sources as well. Consider the subtle differences in meaning when choosing between "regretful for" and similar expressions such as "sorry for" or "remorseful about" to ensure your intended meaning is conveyed effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling regretful about

Adds explicit emphasis on the feeling of regret.

sorry about

A more general expression of regret; can be used in a wider range of contexts.

remorseful about

Emphasizes a deep feeling of guilt or sorrow for wrongdoing; slightly stronger emotional tone.

contrite about

Suggests a sincere feeling of regret and willingness to atone; more formal and intense.

apologetic for

Highlights the act of offering an apology; focuses on expressing regret to someone.

penitent for

Similar to contrition, but carries stronger religious connotations, implying repentance.

expressing regret over

Highlights the act of communicating regret, rather than just feeling it.

filled with regret over

Shifts the focus to the feeling of regret as a dominant emotion.

rueful about

Implies a mixture of regret and wry amusement or resignation.

ashamed of

Expresses feelings of shame in addition to regret.

FAQs

How can I use "regretful for" in a sentence?

You can use "regretful for" to express sorrow or remorse about something. For example, "She was "regretful for" her harsh words" or "The company is "regretful for" the inconvenience caused".

What's a synonym for "regretful for"?

Synonyms for "regretful for" include "sorry for", "remorseful about", "apologetic for", or "contrite about". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "regretful for" formal or informal?

"Regretful for" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal situations, you might prefer "contrite about" or "apologetic for".

What is the difference between "regretful for" and "regretful about"?

While both are acceptable, "regretful for" typically implies a specific action or event that is the cause of regret, whereas "regretful about" can be more general. For example, "She was "regretful for" her decision" versus "She was "regretful about" the whole situation".