regrettably still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regrettably still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disappointment or sadness about a situation that has not changed or improved. Example: "Regrettably still, we have not received a response from the client regarding the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Quotas — very, very regrettably — still prevail".

The New York Times

Much of his reputation was shaped by writers' lazy, hazy thinking, and regrettably still is.

The New York Times - Books

Executives view writers as unruly teen-agers; writers see executives as hysterical parents who, regrettably, still control allowances and bedtimes.

The New Yorker

Work continues on the project under different names, but nuclear weapons are regrettably still far from obsolete.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its pension pot is only 32% funded, even on the highly optimistic assumptions about rates of return that are regrettably still standard for public-sector pension funds.

The Economist

Doris, she observed, was not her mother, adoptive or otherwise; her parents were not only still alive but "regrettably" still in contact with her.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Regrettably that still seems to be the case today.

Huffington Post

No. So, why is the NIH congratulating themselves about improvements in animal welfare -- patting themselves on the back, job well done -- when they support the use of tens of millions of sentient beings in invasive research?" Sadly and regrettably, this still is the case -- reliable scientific data are simply dismissed as if they didn't exist.

Huffington Post

"Regrettably, however, some do not.

BBC

Regrettably, the Sequoia still consumes fossil fuel with avaricious abandon.

The New York Times

But regrettably, it is still struggling to take root in all three countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regrettably still" to introduce a statement that acknowledges a negative situation persists despite hopes or efforts to the contrary. This emphasizes both the disappointment and the continuation of the problem.

Common error

While "regrettably still" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or repetitive. Consider varying your phrasing by using synonyms like "unfortunately" or rephrasing the sentence to express the sentiment more naturally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regrettably still" functions as an adverbial modifier. It modifies a clause or sentence, expressing the speaker's regret or disappointment that a particular situation or condition continues to exist. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "regrettably still" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express disappointment that a situation or condition persists. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used correctly and is helpful in emphasizing the continuation of a negative state despite hopes for change. While grammatically correct, it is more common in formal writing and may be replaced with "unfortunately still" or "sadly still" in less formal situations. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing mostly in News & Media and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunately still

Replaces "regrettably" with a more common synonym for expressing disappointment.

sadly still

Uses a different synonym for "regrettably", emphasizing the sorrowful aspect of the continuing situation.

lamentably still

Substitutes "regrettably" with a more formal and emphatic term expressing sorrow.

it is regrettable that it still

Rephrases the expression into a clause emphasizing the feeling of regret.

to my regret, still

Places the regret as a personal sentiment of the speaker.

it's a pity it still

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate disappointment.

unhappily still

Emphasizes the lack of happiness associated with the continuing situation.

disappointingly still

Highlights the element of disappointment in the persistence of the situation.

it remains regrettable that

Offers a more formal way to express the continuing regret.

it's unfortunate it still

Uses a gentler word to express disappointment regarding the ongoing situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "regrettably still" to express disappointment that a situation or condition continues to exist. For example, "Regrettably still, some communities lack access to clean water."

What are some alternatives to "regrettably still"?

Alternatives to "regrettably still" include "unfortunately still", "sadly still", or "lamentably still". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "regrettably still" formal or informal?

"Regrettably still" leans towards the formal side due to the adverb "regrettably". In more casual contexts, "sadly still" or "unfortunately still" might be more appropriate.

What does "regrettably still" emphasize in a sentence?

"Regrettably still" emphasizes both the speaker's disappointment or regret and the continued existence of an undesirable situation. It adds a layer of sorrow or frustration to the statement.