regrettably not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regrettably not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disappointment or sadness about a negative outcome or situation. Example: "I would love to attend the event, but regrettably not due to prior commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Regrettably not.

The Economist

Regrettably, not quite.

The Guardian

This is regrettably not the first time".

The New York Times

Regrettably, not all questions can be answered.

The New York Times

(Submissions are now closed; regrettably not all questions submitted can be answered on the blog).

The New York Times

(More than 100 questions were submitted, and regrettably not all can be answered on the blog).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The school board, regrettably, did not join the lawsuit.

The New York Times

But that, regrettably, is not what we get.

The New Yorker

Precision bombing, regrettably, is not always as precise as it should be.

The Economist

A few still got through, regrettably, but not enough to affect the ranking.

The Economist

The laughter will fade quickly; the current Administration, regrettably, will not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regrettably not" to soften negative news or convey disappointment in a formal or semi-formal context. It adds a layer of politeness and empathy to the message.

Common error

Avoid using "regrettably not" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unfortunately" or "sadly" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regrettably not" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause to express negation with a sense of regret. As Ludwig AI indicates, it softens negative statements or expresses disappointment. It is often used to politely decline or express inability to fulfill a request or expectation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regrettably not" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, to express negative sentiments with a touch of regret or disappointment. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, making it a versatile choice for professional communication. While it adds a layer of politeness, it should be used sparingly in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Remember, it serves to soften the blow of negative news and convey empathy in a tactful manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unfortunately not

Replaces "regrettably" with "unfortunately", maintaining a similar level of formality and expressing disappointment.

Regrettably no

Omission of 'not' emphasizes the sense of regret.

Sadly no

Uses "sadly" to convey sorrow or disappointment, offering a slightly more emotional tone than "regrettably".

With regret, no

Positions "with regret" at the beginning for emphasis, providing a more formal expression.

I'm afraid not

Introduces a personal element and softens the negation with a tone of apology or concern.

It is not ideal

Employs understatement to express that something is less than desirable, avoiding direct negativity.

It's a shame that's not the case

Expresses the sentiment through a clause that begins with "it's a shame".

Sadly that isn't the case

Introduces a different sentence structure that conveys the information in a more roundabout way.

Not to my delight

This implies that something is undesirable or unwanted.

Unsatisfactorily, it's not

Rearranges the sentence with an adverbial phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "regrettably not" in a sentence?

You can use "regrettably not" to express disappointment or soften negative information. For example: "I can attend the meeting, but "regrettably not" for the entire duration".

What are some alternatives to "regrettably not"?

Alternatives include "unfortunately not", "sadly no", or "I'm afraid not", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "regrettably, not" grammatically correct?

Yes, "regrettably, not" is grammatically correct. The comma after "regrettably" is used to set off the adverb, providing a slight pause and emphasizing the regret.

When is it appropriate to use "regrettably not" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal or semi-formal writing where you want to express disappointment or convey negative information politely. It's often used in professional communications, news articles, and academic papers.