we deplore that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we deplore that" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to express strong disapproval or regret about a situation, but it requires a specific context to be grammatically correct. Example: "We deplore that such actions were taken without proper consideration for the consequences."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We deplore that and think that sort of violence is going to make matters worse".

The Guardian

Bernard Barrett, a spokesman for the organization in Washington, declined on Monday to comment on the report, adding, "We deplore that confidential material attributed to the I.C.R.C. was made public".

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, we deplore that there are a few deaths and a few wounded.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We might deplore that but we can't have it both ways.

The Guardian - Books

We can deplore that pathological situations encountered during pregnancy were to be recorded retrospectively from patients' files.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

"People have the right to make their views known but we deplore those that turn to criminal damage.

The Guardian

Some of the regulars deplore that, but it hasn't yet brought about the end of civilisation.

Independent

The bombing today was condemned by Yasir Arafat, the head of the Palestinian Authority, who said that "we deplore any attacks that harm Israeli or Palestinian civilians".

The New York Times

A French foreign ministry spokesman said: "We deplore the violence that has taken place in and around the national assembly.

The Guardian

When she said "Let us not become the evil that we deplore," she knew the quagmire that would result from such military engagement.

Huffington Post

"We are pleased that the BBC team has been released but we deplore the fact that they were detained in the first place.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deplore" when you want to express a formal and serious disapproval. However, ensure the context justifies its use.

Common error

Avoid using "deplore" in casual conversations. It's a formal term best reserved for serious or official statements. In less formal settings, use alternatives like "dislike" or "regret".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we deplore that" functions as an expression of strong disapproval or regret. It is typically used in formal contexts to convey a serious objection to a particular action or situation. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is not correct in standard written English and requires a specific context to be grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we deplore that" is a phrase used to express strong disapproval or regret, primarily in formal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not always grammatically correct and requires a specific context. Although it appears in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, its use should be reserved for situations that warrant a serious and formal tone. Consider alternatives like "we regret that" or "we condemn that" for improved clarity and appropriateness in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we regret that

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about a situation.

we condemn that

Strongly disapproves of something, often morally.

we lament that

Expresses deep sorrow or mourning over something.

we disapprove of that

Indicates a lack of approval or agreement.

we are saddened by that

Expresses sorrow or unhappiness caused by something.

we are disappointed by that

Expresses feeling of dissatisfaction.

we are dismayed by that

Indicates feelings of shock and distress.

we find that unacceptable

Declares something as not tolerable or allowable.

that is regrettable

Expresses that something is unfortunate or unwelcome.

it is unfortunate that

Highlights that a particular situation is undesirable.

FAQs

What does "we deplore that" mean?

The phrase "we deplore that" expresses strong disapproval or regret concerning a particular situation or action. It's a formal way of saying that you find something highly objectionable.

When is it appropriate to use "we deplore that"?

This phrase is best suited for formal contexts, such as official statements, news reports, or academic writing, where a serious tone is required. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly dramatic.

What can I say instead of "we deplore that"?

You can use alternatives like "we regret that", "we condemn that", or "we disapprove of that" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "we deplore that" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "we deplore that" isn't inherently incorrect, it often sounds awkward. It is better to specify what is being deplored. For example, instead of "we deplore that," consider "we deplore the violence" or "we deplore the decision."