we regret that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we regret that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express sorrow or disappointment about something. For example: "We regret that we are unable to host the event due to the current health crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We regret that".

The New York Times

Will we regret that lost hour at the office?

The New York Times

We regret that Premier ran into financial difficulties.

The New York Times - Travel

"If some innocents were killed, we regret that".

The New York Times

We regret that tonight IT professional Lymarenko Alexei suffered.

TechCrunch

An hour later, we regret that decision.

Huffington Post

"And we regret that.

The New York Times

"We regret that Mr. Guffey did not".

The New York Times

"We regret that language," he said Tuesday.

The New York Times

"We regret that," he said.

The New York Times - Health

"We regret that it happened in this way".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we regret that" in formal communications when acknowledging a mistake, expressing disappointment, or conveying sympathy. Be sincere and specific in explaining the reason for the regret.

Common error

Avoid using "we regret that" as a default response in every situation. Overuse can make it sound insincere. Consider using alternative phrases like "we apologize for" or "we are sorry about" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we regret that" functions as a performative utterance, specifically an expression of regret or apology. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to formally convey sorrow or disappointment about a situation or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we regret that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to formally express sorrow or disappointment. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is widely used across various professional and formal contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific publications, it is crucial to use this phrase judiciously to maintain sincerity and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "we are sorry that" or "we apologize that" can be used depending on the specific context to convey a more nuanced expression of regret. Be mindful of the register and intended audience when employing this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are sorry that

Uses "sorry" instead of "regret", conveying a similar sense of remorse but potentially with a slightly warmer tone.

we apologize that

Substitutes "regret" with "apologize", making it a direct expression of apology for a specific situation.

it is regrettable that

Similar in meaning but uses a more formal and impersonal structure, emphasizing the regretfulness of the situation itself.

it is unfortunate that

Replaces the personal pronoun with an impersonal construction. Shifts focus to the event being unfortunate rather than the speaker's regret.

we are disappointed that

Emphasizes disappointment rather than regret, suitable when the primary emotion is unmet expectations.

we are saddened that

Replaces "regret" with "saddened", emphasizing the feeling of sadness caused by a situation.

we deplore that

Uses "deplore", indicating strong disapproval and regret regarding a specific event or action.

we lament that

Substitutes "regret" with "lament", suggesting a more formal and sorrowful expression of regret.

we are concerned that

Expresses concern about a situation, implying regret that it has occurred or may occur.

we wish that were not the case

Expresses a desire for a different reality, indicating regret about the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "we regret that" in a sentence?

Use "we regret that" to formally express sorrow or disappointment about a situation. For example: "We regret that the event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances."

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

You can use alternatives like "we are sorry that", "we apologize that", or "it is unfortunate that" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "we regret that" in formal situations, such as official announcements, business communications, or when conveying condolences. It is generally used when the speaker represents an organization or group.

Is "we regret to inform you that" the same as "we regret that"?

Yes, "we regret to inform you that" is a more specific and formal way of saying "we regret that". It is often used when delivering bad news or an official statement.