wave of regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of remorse or sorrow about something that has happened. Example: "After realizing the impact of his decision, he was hit by a wave of regret that left him questioning his choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the mid-1980's, amid a national wave of regret for the wartime discrimination, federal courts erased both men's convictions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The wave of regrets and rationalizations she spins is an incredible thing to witness.

The New York Times

Werther noted "'Exit' evokes feelings of fear, fear of losing control, giving into one's dark side, perhaps even taking one's life", contrasting it to the "waves of regret" experienced by Judas.

Wikipedia

The loss of a limb is traumatic, and I experience waves of sorrow and regret.

The New York Times

It is riding a wave of nostalgia and regret over Scotland's independence referendum last year, mainly to Labour's cost.

The Economist

The gnarly Fall Away sounds like a missing gem from the feted Nuggets psych-rock box set, arriving on a drum fill and cresting on a wave of yearning romantic regret.

The Guardian - Music

Hossein Shariatmadari, an aide to the supreme leader and editor of the hardline Kayhan newspaper, said that Mashaei's appointment caused "a wave of surprise mixed with regret and concern" among Ahmadinejad supporters.

The Guardian

It's hardly a cruel and unexpected blow when a man of 96 dies, but that didn't stop great waves of affection and regret billowing through parliament today when we heard about Michael Foot.

The Guardian

One she later regretted was "The Wave of the Future" (1940), which surely caught Roth's attention while he was researching his novel.

The New York Times - Books

This why Brené believes in the teaching power of regret and also why she finds it so worrisome when people dismiss regret with a wave of the hand.

Huffington Post

I like the idea of having wiki guides to websites, though calling it AboutUs makes me uncomfortable and I hope a wave of nasty edits doesn't make me regret pointing to it.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave of regret" to vividly describe a powerful and sudden feeling of remorse, especially when the feeling is a reaction to a specific event or realization.

Common error

Avoid using "wave of regret" to describe a constant, lingering feeling. The phrase implies a sudden, intense experience, not a prolonged state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of regret" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific feeling or emotional state. Ludwig AI validates its usage in expressing feelings of remorse or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wave of regret" is a grammatically sound and impactful way to describe a sudden, overwhelming feeling of remorse or sorrow. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, it's important to use it appropriately, focusing on the intensity and suddenness of the feeling rather than a prolonged state. Suitable alternatives include "surge of remorse" or "flood of regret", depending on the desired nuance. With its primary context in News & Media, the phrase is versatile enough for various writing styles, though mindful application will ensure its effectiveness in conveying strong emotional reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of remorse

Emphasizes a sudden and powerful feeling of guilt and regret.

flood of regret

Highlights the overwhelming nature of the regret.

pang of regret

Refers to a sharp, sudden feeling of regret.

twinge of regret

Suggests a slight or momentary feeling of regret.

feeling of remorse

Focuses on the moral aspect of regret, emphasizing guilt.

sense of loss

Highlights the feeling of something being gone or unattainable.

moment of reflection

Indicates a pause for thoughtful consideration, often involving regret.

outburst of sorrow

Emphasizes a sudden and intense expression of sadness and regret.

fit of contrition

Highlights a sudden feeling of remorse and repentance.

wash of disappointment

Focuses on the feeling of being let down, which can be linked to regret.

FAQs

What does "wave of regret" mean?

A "wave of regret" describes a sudden and overwhelming feeling of sadness or remorse for something that has happened or something one has done or not done.

How can I use "wave of regret" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the argument, a "wave of regret" washed over him." It illustrates a powerful, immediate feeling of remorse.

Are there alternatives to "wave of regret" that I could use?

Yes, you could use phrases like "surge of remorse", "flood of regret", or "pang of regret" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "wave of regret" in formal writing?

Yes, "wave of regret" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the expressive nature of the phrase. Reserve use in formal writing where the emotional impact needs to be emphasised.