though regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a situation or outcome that is unfortunate or disappointing while still maintaining a level of objectivity or neutrality. Example: "The decision to cancel the event was necessary, though regrettable, given the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The switch in strategy is understandable, though regrettable.

The New York Times

Opposition from Iran, though regrettable, is to be expected.

The Economist

Over the years, there has been an understandable though regrettable tendency to give every umpire, even the least competent, the opportunity to work a World Series.

The New York Times

"The undeniable, though regrettable, fact is that the most effective policy-making is done outside the immediate glare of the press," he said.

The New York Times

Wright Mills: Letters and Autobiographical Writings," which I edited with my sister, Pamela, he points out that letters that would have invaded the privacy of living people were not published, a decision he finds "understandable" though regrettable.

The New York Times - Books

Oil spills are to be anticipated, frequent though regrettable by-products of petrochemical exploration.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Under the circumstances, Stoudemire's angry punch was understandable, though certainly regrettable.

The New York Times - Sports

His brand, he says, is "all about lifestyle, fun and aeroplanes a complete Kingfisher experience"—though, owing to a regrettable failure of his powers, he has not yet persuaded the government to let him break India's dry domestic in-flight rules by serving beer on his planes.Mr Mallya inherited the UB group on the death of his father in 1983.

The Economist

That was a regrettable phrase, though not as offensive as when Donald Trump bragged about profiting from American families losing their homes in the last recession.

Huffington Post

First, I found the descriptive language regrettable, though a relatively minor concern.

The New York Times

What is most regrettable, though, is that Ginsberg abandoned the first phase of his photography career just when American society was beginning to undergo its unprecedented transformations.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "though regrettable" with a justification or explanation to provide context and demonstrate understanding. For instance, "The delay is long, though regrettable, given the current circumstances."

Common error

Avoid using "though regrettable" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's generally more suited to formal or professional settings. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "it's a shame" or "it's too bad" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though regrettable" functions as an adverbial modifier, expressing concession or contrast. It acknowledges an unfortunate aspect while introducing a contrasting element or justification. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though regrettable" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, expressing concession or contrast. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for acknowledging a negative aspect while introducing a contrasting point or justification. While perhaps somewhat formal, it finds usage in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When opting for alternatives, consider factors such as context and desired formality; examples such as "albeit unfortunate" or "although disappointing" may be more appropriate in certain scenarios. Remember to avoid overusing "though regrettable" in informal settings and always consider the audience and the objective of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

albeit unfortunate

Emphasizes the unfortunate aspect more directly while still introducing a contrast.

although disappointing

Highlights the disappointment associated with the situation while acknowledging it.

while unfortunate

Similar to "though regrettable" but slightly less formal.

even if undesirable

Focuses on the lack of desirability of the situation, still bringing another element/thought.

however lamentable

Uses a more formal and emphatic term ("lamentable") to express regret.

regrettably however

Inverts the structure while maintaining a similar meaning.

sadly but necessarily

Highlights both the sadness and the necessity of the situation.

though it's a pity

Emphasizes the sense of pity or sorrow associated with the situation.

while it's a shame

Expresses regret using the idiom "it's a shame".

although it's unfortunate

Simply expresses the unfortunate nature of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "though regrettable" in a sentence?

You can use "though regrettable" to acknowledge something negative while introducing a contrasting point or justification. For example, "The cancellation was necessary, "though regrettable", due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "though regrettable"?

Some alternatives include "albeit unfortunate", "although disappointing", or "while unfortunate". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "though regrettable" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "though regrettable" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of acknowledgement and mild regret in a professional or academic tone. However, consider the specific audience and purpose to ensure it's the most effective choice.

How does "though regrettable" differ from "but it's a shame?"

"Though regrettable" is more formal and objective, while "but it's a shame" is more informal and expresses a stronger sense of personal disappointment. Use "though regrettable" in professional settings and "but it's a shame" in casual conversations.