regrettable to hear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regrettable to hear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing disappointment or sorrow about a piece of news or information that has been shared. Example: "It is regrettable to hear that the event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is very regrettable to hear this," he added.

The New York Times

It is sad and regrettable to hear the sirens of the right, with their knee-jerk responses, criticize and plan to obstruct these initiatives, even before the ink on the speech has dried.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Every time a public figure does something regrettable, I do not want to have to hear him apologizing on a recorded message during the dinner hour.

The New York Times

To get an idea of what Canadian students were blowing their borrowed bucks on, I visited and called students from different programs and walks of life to hear about their most regrettable spending decisions.

Vice

PEOPLE often say regrettable things but they usually don't have to hear their words played back to them.

The Economist

As he says, the only regrettable aspect of being director is that now people too often tell him what they think he wants to hear.

The Economist

In 2001, his considered decision to offer a piece of Wagner as an encore led to widespread condemnation – particularly regrettable, he says, because the audience had been asked beforehand, during a measured 40-minute discussion, if they would like to hear it.

BBC

It would be good to hear from Vladimir Putin, hosting today's VE Day ceremony in Red Square, even some half-admission that the 1939 pact between Stalin and Hitler was at least regrettable.

The Guardian

Too many verbal fights are regrettable to say the least.

The New York Times

"I find it all very regrettable, to say the least".

The New York Times - Science

It is regrettable to notice that such influences have been for so long overlooked by the scientific mainstream [ 20, 21].

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regrettable to hear" to formally express disappointment or concern about news you've received. It's suitable for professional correspondence and public statements where a measured tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "regrettable to hear" in casual conversations; simpler phrases like "sad to hear" or "that's too bad" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regrettable to hear" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied piece of information. It expresses a subjective assessment of news received. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "regrettable to hear" serves as a formal and neutral way to express disappointment or concern upon receiving information. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is best suited for professional or public contexts and less appropriate for casual conversation. Its usage is most common in News & Media. Alternatives like "sad to hear" or "unfortunate to hear" can provide a similar sentiment with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad to hear

Directly expresses sadness upon hearing something.

unfortunate to hear

Indicates something is unlucky or unfavorable.

disappointing to hear

Conveys a sense of letdown upon hearing something.

sorry to hear

A common expression of sympathy upon hearing bad news.

it's a pity to hear

Expresses regret or sorrow about a situation.

it's a shame to hear

Similar to "it's a pity" but emphasizes the negative aspect.

distressing to hear

Highlights the troubling nature of the information.

alarming to hear

Indicates that the information is concerning or frightening.

concerning to hear

Highlights a level of worry about the news.

it's regrettable to learn

Focuses on acquiring the information instead of the act of hearing.

FAQs

What does "regrettable to hear" mean?

The phrase "regrettable to hear" expresses disappointment or sorrow upon learning something, indicating that the information is unwelcome or unfortunate.

When is it appropriate to use "regrettable to hear"?

It's suitable for formal contexts, professional correspondence, and situations where a measured, thoughtful response is needed. Simpler alternatives are better for casual conversation.

What can I say instead of "regrettable to hear"?

You can use alternatives like "sad to hear", "unfortunate to hear", or "disappointing to hear" depending on the context.

Is "regrettable to hear" formal?

Yes, "regrettable to hear" is considered more formal than other phrases like "sorry to hear" or "that's too bad". It's best used in professional or official communications.