that is regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disappointment or sorrow about a situation or event. Example: "The cancellation of the event was unexpected, and that is regrettable for all involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But in some ways that is regrettable.

The Guardian - Business

Like so much that is regrettable about modern politics, party conferences have become what they are for ostensibly good reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we fall out with Ben Bradshaw that is regrettable but that is not the performance indicator here.

The Guardian

"The other thing that is regrettable about America and one reason not to live there is that they tend to put cinnamon in every possible pudding," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If people were offended by what happened then, in some ways, that is regrettable.

BBC

That is regrettable.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"We all have issues that happen on our watch that are regrettable," Baha said.

Huffington Post

It's true that welfare programs are unpopular, and from a social justice perspective that's regrettable.

Huffington Post

I think that's regrettable.

The New York Times

That's regrettable.

The New Yorker

You wrote much that was regrettable".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing "that is regrettable". While generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for formal or neutral situations. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "it's a shame".

Common error

Avoid using "that is regrettable" in very casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "that's too bad" or "that's a pity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is regrettable" functions as an evaluative expression, used to convey disappointment or sorrow about a particular situation or event. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is regrettable" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey disappointment or sorrow, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While its usage is generally acceptable, it's advisable to consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. For informal settings, alternatives like "it's a shame" may be more suitable. Remember to clearly specify the cause of regret to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's examples provide ample illustration of its real-world application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a pity

Replaces "that is regrettable" with a more concise expression of disappointment.

it's unfortunate

Substitutes "regrettable" with a synonym that conveys a sense of bad luck or misfortune.

it's a matter of regret

Transforms the phrase into a more formal expression emphasizing the feeling of regret.

it is a shame

Uses "shame" instead of "regrettable" to indicate something that is disappointing or causes sorrow.

that's a disappointment

Replaces "regrettable" with a direct statement of disappointment about a situation.

it's a cause for sorrow

Emphasizes the sadness associated with the situation, making it a stronger expression of regret.

it's a source of disappointment

Focuses on the situation as the origin of disappointment, shifting the emphasis slightly.

that is a matter of concern

Shifts the focus to the troubling aspect of the situation rather than the feeling of regret.

it's a crying shame

Uses a stronger idiom to express a greater degree of disappointment or outrage.

it leaves much to be desired

Indirectly expresses disappointment by stating that the situation is not ideal or satisfactory.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "that is regrettable"?

You can use alternatives like "it's a pity", "it's unfortunate", or "it's a shame" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "that is regrettable"?

The phrase "that is regrettable" is generally considered neutral to formal. While acceptable in many situations, it may sound slightly out of place in very informal conversations.

Is "that is regrettable" the same as "that's regrettable"?

"That is regrettable" and "that's regrettable" are essentially the same in meaning. The latter is simply a contraction of the former, making it slightly less formal.

How to use "that is regrettable" in a sentence?

You can use "that is regrettable" to express disappointment or sorrow about a situation. For example, "The cancellation of the event was unexpected, and "that is regrettable" for all involved."