regrettably however

USAGE SUMMARY

"regrettably however" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express two contrasting ideas while showing a degree of regret. For example: "Regrettably however, the meeting was canceled due to a lack of attendance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Regrettably, however, your own response [the editorial] is not measured".

The Guardian - Opinion

Regrettably, however, they have often been systematically excluded and overlooked.

The Guardian

Regrettably, however, Ekirch doesn't know when to hold back.

The New Yorker

Regrettably, however, the leadership has said that some provisions are untouchable.

The New York Times

"Regrettably, however, we have no choice but to issue thousands of deferments".

The New Yorker

Regrettably, however, the declining morals of the British working man may not be to blame.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"I regrettably acknowledge, however, that some of my words might be considered inappropriate and consequently would like to offer my sincere apology," Inose said in a statement.

The New York Times - Sports

Quotas — very, very regrettably — still prevail".

The New York Times

"However, regrettably, a number of security guards were wounded.

BBC

However, regrettably, retention times varied by minutes when the column was used at different times.

Analytical Chemistry

It can regrettably be noted, however, that despite the existing relevant legal framework, a number of EU directives and resolutions remain without proper implementation.

EU Parlament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regrettably however" to clearly signal a contrast after expressing disappointment or regret about a situation. This phrase can enhance the flow of your writing by smoothly transitioning between opposing ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "regrettably however" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive and overly formal. Consider using simpler conjunctions or rephrasing your sentences for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regrettably however" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while expressing regret about the first. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig show it being used to introduce mitigating circumstances or contrasting information after an expression of disappointment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regrettably however" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a contrasting idea after expressing regret. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While it might be considered slightly redundant by some, it serves to add emphasis and smooth the transition between opposing points. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it's most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts and less so in informal settings. To prevent overuse, consider using alternatives such as "unfortunately nevertheless" or "sadly yet". Overall, use "regrettably however" judiciously to enhance clarity and convey a sense of balanced perspective in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunately nevertheless

Replaces "regrettably" with a synonym and "however" with another word for contrast, maintaining a similar level of formality.

sadly yet

Uses simpler words to convey the same meaning, making it slightly less formal.

regretfully still

Substitutes "however" with "still", focusing more on the continuation despite the regret.

alas nonetheless

Employs more literary terms, adding a touch of drama.

it is unfortunate nonetheless

Expresses regret more explicitly while retaining the contrast.

though regrettable, still

Inverts the structure, emphasizing the regretful aspect before introducing the contrast.

while unfortunate, yet

Similar to the previous phrase, but with different word choices.

although it's a shame, still

Uses a more conversational tone to express regret and contrast.

despite this downside, still

Highlights the negative aspect before introducing the contrasting point.

even with this setback, nonetheless

Emphasizes the challenge or obstacle before presenting the contrasting outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "regrettably however" in a sentence?

You can use "regrettably however" to introduce a contrasting point after expressing regret. For example, "Regrettably however, the budget cuts will affect our project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "regrettably however"?

Alternatives include "unfortunately nevertheless", "sadly yet", or "regretfully still". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "regrettably however" redundant?

While some may consider "regrettably however" somewhat redundant due to both words expressing contrast, it can be used for emphasis. However, it's essential to use it sparingly to avoid sounding repetitive.

Is it more appropriate to use "regrettably, however" or "regrettably however"?

Both are grammatically correct; however, using a comma after "regrettably" ("regrettably, however") is generally preferred for clarity and readability.