which I regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which I regret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express remorse or disappointment about a specific action or decision that has been made. Example: "I made a hasty decision, which I regret now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Somewhere along the way, the toaster disappeared, which I regret.

The New Yorker

"They have both suffered hardship, which I regret".

The New York Times

His mother replies, in part, "I was very strict, which I regret.

The New Yorker

He told the paper that this was "also my mistake, which I regret".

The Guardian

Even Christmas cake, which I regret has fewer fans with each passing year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This opinion has caused discomfort for the crew, which I regret.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Except for a quarter of a glass of 30-year port offered to me a few months later, which I couldn't resist, and which was delicious, and which I regretted, that's how it has been.

The New York Times - Magazine

I've made comments on family members which I regretted, but they're good at spotting if it's too raw.They're not sensationalists, which makes it easier to come back to".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The menu is designed around Prohibition-era classics, but they can make anything," says Rowe. "I once ordered a salt 'n' vinegar martini, as I'd read about them somewhere trendy… which I regretted the next day".

The Guardian - Travel

Did you bring any scotch?" Scotch, alas, had not been on my Greenland packing list, which I regretted again on the boat ride from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq Island on the Sarpik Ittuk, an orange-and-white liner of the Arctic Umiaq fleet.

The New York Times - Travel

My reaction was an uncomfortable chuckle, which I regretted once I realized he wasn't joking.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required in your writing. While "which I regret" is generally acceptable, more formal situations may warrant stronger or more elaborate expressions of remorse, such as "which I deeply lament".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing "which I regret" immediately after the clause it modifies. Ensure that the reader clearly understands what you are expressing regret about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which I regret" functions as a non-restrictive relative clause, adding additional information about a preceding statement or action. As Ludwig AI points out, it expresses remorse or disappointment and connects directly to what is being regretted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which I regret" serves as a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for expressing remorse or disappointment. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it functions as a non-restrictive relative clause, providing additional emotional context to a statement. While versatile, the register is primarily neutral, fitting well within news and general communication, as confirmed by its prevalence in sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. For greater formality or emphasis, alternative phrases like "that I lament" may be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that I shouldn't have done

Implies regret by stating that something should not have been done.

which I am now sorry about

Rephrases the sentiment using "sorry about", adding a sense of immediacy.

that I feel sorry for

Expresses regret through feeling sorry, focusing on the emotional aspect.

that I am disappointed by

Frames regret in terms of disappointment with a past action or decision.

that I now rue

Substitutes "regret" with "rue", emphasizing a sense of bitterness and sorrow for past actions.

that I wish I hadn't done

Conveys regret by expressing a wish to undo a past action.

that I find regrettable

Uses the adjective "regrettable" to describe the action, distancing the speaker slightly.

that I lament

Replaces "regret" with a more formal term, "lament", indicating deep sorrow.

I wish I could take back

Expresses a desire to undo a previous action or statement.

I apologize for

Conveys direct remorse and takes responsibility for the regrettable action.

FAQs

How can I use "which I regret" in a sentence?

Use "which I regret" to express remorse or disappointment about something previously mentioned in the sentence. For example, "I made a hasty decision, "which I regret" now."

What can I say instead of "which I regret"?

You can use alternatives like "that I lament", "which I am now sorry about", or "that I wish I hadn't done" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "which I regret"?

No, "which I regret" is a relative clause and should follow the main clause it modifies. It cannot start a sentence. For example, use it as: "I spoke harshly, "which I regret"."

What is the difference between "which I regret" and "that I regret"?

"Which I regret" introduces a non-restrictive clause, adding extra information but not essential to the sentence's meaning. "That I regret" introduces a restrictive clause, essential for defining what you regret. Use "which" with a comma before it, and "that" without a comma.