this is regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disappointment or sorrow about a situation or event. Example: "After reviewing the report, I must say that this is regrettable, as we had high hopes for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This is regrettable.

The New York Times

This is regrettable but true.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is regrettable and unfortunate.

The New Yorker

This is regrettable, because it is fostering a sense of complacency that can have dire consequences.

The New York Times

I accept that there is collateral damage and that this is regrettable.

The Washington Post

This is regrettable, and is a serious and unjustified blow to in-house lawyers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

This was regrettable.

Independent

Some top Poles agree that this was regrettable.

The Economist

This was regrettable, yet serves to underline the fact that the subsidy option only needs a repair and not the burial long sought by the Senate Republican minority leader, Mitch McConnell, and other devotees of unlimited corporate donations.

The New York Times

This practice is regrettable and ought to be stopped immediately".

BBC

"This violence is regrettable and counterproductive," AER in England wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is regrettable" to express disappointment in formal writing, especially when addressing mistakes or negative outcomes in reports or official statements.

Common error

Avoid using "this is regrettable" in casual conversations or informal emails. Simpler alternatives like "that's too bad" or "that's a shame" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is regrettable" functions as an expressive statement, conveying disappointment, sorrow, or regret about a particular situation or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is regrettable" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to convey disappointment or sorrow, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While it's suitable for professional and official communications, it's best to avoid using it in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "this is unfortunate" or "it's a shame" for informal settings. Remember to use "this is regrettable" to formally express regret in your writing, but be mindful of the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's regrettable that this happened

This alternative adds specificity by directly referencing the event that caused the regret.

it's unfortunate

This alternative focuses on the negative consequences or implications of the situation.

I regret this

This alternative is a more direct and personal expression of regret.

it's disappointing

This alternative highlights the unmet expectations or failed hopes.

it is a matter of regret

This alternative uses a more formal and indirect tone, emphasizing the feeling of regret itself.

it's a shame

This alternative expresses a sense of loss or missed opportunity.

it is a pity

This alternative is more colloquial and expresses a milder form of regret or disappointment.

this is a source of disappointment

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of disappointment caused by the situation.

it's a cause for concern

This alternative indicates that the situation is worrisome and needs attention.

this is a sad state of affairs

This alternative emphasizes the negative or unfortunate nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this is regrettable" in a sentence?

You can use "this is regrettable" to express disappointment about a situation. For example: "The decline in sales this quarter is regrettable."

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

You can use alternatives like "this is unfortunate", "this is disappointing", or "it is a pity" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this is regrettable"?

"This is regrettable" is appropriate in formal settings to express sorrow or disappointment. It's often used in official statements, reports, or formal correspondence.

What's the difference between "this is regrettable" and "this is unfortunate"?

While both express disappointment, "this is regrettable" carries a slightly stronger sense of sorrow or remorse compared to "this is unfortunate", which is a more general expression of disappointment.