with deep regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with deep regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing sorrow or disappointment about a situation or decision. Example: "I must inform you, with deep regret, that we are unable to proceed with your application at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm filled with deep regret.

The New York Times

With deep regret I have this morning written to the Prime Minister & tendered my resignation.

Independent

"With deep regret, the board reluctantly accepted the decision of the chair to resign.

The Guardian - Arts

The trustees accepted his resignation "with deep regret," and stressed that it was voluntary.

The New York Times

"It is with deep regret that this inevitably means I must resign from the shadow cabinet.

The Guardian

It is with deep regret that we note the passing of Emil Buckner.

The New York Times

It is with deep regret that we report the death of Dr. Morris Dunkel.

The New York Times

The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst, NY records with deep regret the passing of Eli Elias.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama said he accepted "with deep regret" Mr. Richardson's decision to bow out.

The New York Times

The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst, NY records with deep regret the passing of Isaac Herman Zacharia.

The New York Times

It is with deep regret that we realize we have lost our lifelong friend, Roz.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with deep regret" to convey sincerity when announcing bad news, a resignation, or expressing sorrow for a past action. It adds a formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "with deep regret" in casual conversations. The phrase is formal and can sound overly dramatic in everyday scenarios; opt for simpler expressions like "I'm sorry" or "I regret to inform you" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with deep regret" functions as an introductory expression. It typically precedes a statement of bad news, a formal apology, or an announcement of a difficult decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to convey sincerity and formality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with deep regret" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey sorrow, disappointment, or a formal apology. As Ludwig AI states, it's used to express sincerity. It's most frequently found in news media, academic writing, and formal business communications. While effective for conveying a serious and respectful tone, it should be avoided in casual settings where simpler expressions are more appropriate. Alternatives like "with great sadness" or "I sincerely regret" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I sincerely regret

Highlights the sincerity of the regret, making it a more personal expression of remorse.

it is with great sorrow that

Rephrases the expression to emphasize the sorrow being conveyed, adding a formal tone.

with considerable remorse

Uses the noun "remorse" to express deep regret, adding a sense of guilt or culpability.

with profound sorrow

Emphasizes a more profound level of sorrow or grief than the original phrase.

with heavy heart

Emphasizes the emotional burden associated with the regret, using a metaphorical expression.

with immense sadness

Highlights the feeling of sadness as the primary emotion, intensifying the sense of loss.

I deeply lament

Uses a more formal and emphatic verb ("lament") to express strong regret or sorrow.

to my great disappointment

Focuses on the disappointment experienced, rather than regret, shifting the emotional emphasis.

it pains me to say

Shifts the focus to the speaker's emotional pain in conveying the message, rather than the regret itself.

much to my dismay

Emphasizes the feeling of being dismayed or alarmed by the situation, rather than simple regret.

FAQs

How can I use "with deep regret" in a sentence?

You can use "with deep regret" to express sorrow or disappointment, often when delivering bad news. For example, "With deep regret, I must inform you that your application has been rejected".

What are some synonyms for "with deep regret"?

Alternatives include "with great sadness", "with profound sorrow", or "I sincerely regret". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "with deep regret" when apologizing?

No, it's not always necessary. "With deep regret" adds formality and is best suited for serious situations or formal communications. Simpler phrases like "I'm sorry" or "I apologize" may be more appropriate in less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "with deep regret" and "I apologize"?

"With deep regret" expresses sorrow or disappointment about a situation, while "I apologize" is a direct expression of remorse for something one has done wrong. You might use "with deep regret" when announcing a layoff, but "I apologize" when admitting a mistake.