that was regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disappointment or sorrow about a past event or action. Example: "The decision to cancel the event was regrettable, as many people were looking forward to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You wrote much that was regrettable".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But in some ways that is regrettable.

The Guardian - Business

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

"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

"It was not lost on us that our verdict(s) might inspire future actions that are regrettable, but that sort of thinking was not permitted when considering the charges before us".

Los Angeles Times

That is regrettable.

The Economist

I think that's regrettable.

The New York Times

That is regrettable and dangerous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context and audience when using "that was regrettable". In some situations, a more direct expression of responsibility or apology may be more appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid overuse of "that was regrettable" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "that's too bad" or "that's unfortunate" may be more suitable in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was regrettable" functions as an expressive statement. It conveys a sentiment of disappointment, sorrow, or regret concerning a past event or action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was regrettable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey disappointment or sorrow about a past event. Ludwig AI confirms that. It's most commonly found in news and media sources, with a neutral register suitable for formal communication. While effective, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Common synonyms include "that was unfortunate" and "that was a pity". The phrase serves to acknowledge a negative outcome and express a wish for a different past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was regrettable indeed

Adds emphasis to the feeling of regret, intensifying the sentiment.

that was unfortunate

Emphasizes bad luck or an undesirable outcome, with a slightly lighter tone.

that was a pity

Expresses a feeling of sorrow or disappointment about something.

that was disappointing

Focuses on the failure to meet expectations, highlighting frustration.

that was a shame

Similar to 'a pity', but may imply a missed opportunity or something lost.

that was ill-advised

Highlights the poor judgment or lack of wisdom in a past action.

it's a matter of regret

Formal way to express feeling of regret.

that was a blunder

Highlights the fact that something was a mistake and causes strong emotions.

that was lamentable

Highlights the fact that something is worth feeling sad about.

that was a misstep

Highlights the fact that something was a wrong or clumsy step.

FAQs

What does "that was regrettable" mean?

It means that something that happened in the past caused sorrow, disappointment, or regret.

How can I use "that was regrettable" in a sentence?

You can use it to express your disappointment or sorrow about a past event. For example, "That was regrettable, but we must move forward."

What are some alternatives to "that was regrettable"?

You can use alternatives like "that was unfortunate", "that was a pity", or "that was disappointing" depending on the context.

Is "that is regrettable" different from "that was regrettable"?

Yes, "that is regrettable" refers to something regrettable in the present, while "that was regrettable" refers to something regrettable in the past.