some regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of remorse or disappointment about a particular situation or decision. Example: "I have some regret about not taking that job offer when I had the chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His shoulder, Mr. Smith, has some regret, though.

The New York Times

Thapar felt some regret at putting "good people behind bars".

The New Yorker

No apologies necessary, but some regret is required.

The New York Times

But he indicated some regret at getting involved.

The New York Times

Some regret a death-metal phase, others a Bieber haircut.

The New York Times

Kathryn Olson surveys this dismal landscape with some regret.

The Washington Post

He expressed some regret about Times Square's new spiffiness.

The New York Times

So the French are likely to treat his conviction with mixed feelings, even some regret.

The Economist

"And back then, I couldn't have," he said with some regret.

The New York Times

The judge expressed some regret for having to render such a decision.

The New York Times

There is some regret that he is selling but he has improved the shop.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some regret" when you want to express a mild or moderate feeling of disappointment or remorse, without sounding overly dramatic or self-pitying. It's suitable for professional and personal contexts where understatement is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "some regret" as a standalone apology in situations requiring genuine remorse. It can come across as insincere or dismissive. Instead, pair it with a sincere expression of understanding and a commitment to rectify the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some regret" functions primarily as a descriptor of a feeling, indicating a mild or moderate level of disappointment or remorse. It often modifies a verb like 'feel', 'express', or 'have', as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some regret" is a commonly used phrase to express a moderate degree of disappointment or remorse. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and finds frequent application across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for expressing mild feelings of disappointment, it should be used cautiously in situations requiring a more sincere and heartfelt apology. Remember to be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and adjust your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight remorse

Implies a milder form of regret, suggesting a lesser degree of sorrow or disappointment.

a touch of disappointment

Highlights the feeling of being let down, rather than necessarily feeling responsible or guilty.

a hint of second thoughts

Focuses on reconsidering a decision, with a subtle implication of potential regret.

minor misgivings

Emphasizes doubts or reservations about something, which can lead to regret.

a little sorrow

Directly conveys a feeling of sadness, though perhaps not overwhelming.

some second-guessing

Highlights the act of questioning a past decision, suggesting potential regret.

a degree of rue

Uses a slightly more formal and literary term for regret, suggesting a thoughtful sense of sorrow.

a shadow of disappointment

Suggests a lingering, subtle feeling of being let down by an event or decision.

a small lament

Implies a brief expression of sorrow or mourning over something.

fleeting compunction

Conveys a brief, passing feeling of guilt or moral scruple.

FAQs

How can I use "some regret" in a sentence?

You can use "some regret" to express a feeling of mild disappointment or remorse about a past action or event. For example, "I have "some regret" about not taking that opportunity when it was offered".

What are some alternatives to saying "some regret"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "slight remorse", "a touch of disappointment", or "minor misgivings" to convey a similar sentiment.

Is it better to say "some regret" or "some regrets"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "some regret" generally refers to a general feeling of disappointment or remorse, while "some regrets" implies specific instances or actions that you regret.

What is the nuance between "some regret" and "deep remorse"?

"Some regret" implies a milder, less intense feeling of disappointment, whereas "deep remorse" signifies a profound and heartfelt sorrow for one's actions. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey.