with regret

USAGE SUMMARY

"with regret" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to convey a feeling of sorrow or disappointment. For example, "I must inform you that we have decided to reject your application, with regret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is obsessed with regret.

The New Yorker

It fills me with regret.

The New York Times

With regret, Codybear Illustration by Bendik Kaltenborn.

The New Yorker

I was consumed with regret.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, though, tinged with regret.

The New Yorker

I say this with regret.

The Guardian

Raju: "I reveal this with regret.

The Guardian - Sport

Or remember with regret that there was.

The Guardian

"We make this decision with regret".

The New York Times

A few do so with regret.

The Guardian

Mr. Mulkins acknowledged this with regret.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with regret" to convey a sense of formality and politeness when delivering bad news or expressing disappointment. It softens the impact of negative information.

Common error

Avoid using "with regret" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler expressions like "unfortunately" or "I'm sorry" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with regret" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to express the manner in which an action is performed or a statement is made. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in expressing sorrow or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with regret" is a versatile and frequently used expression for conveying sorrow, disappointment, or reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate in a range of contexts, particularly in formal and professional settings. While "with regret" is generally well-received, it is not equally appropriate in all situations and its overuse in informal conversation should be avoided. Closely related alternatives include "regrettably", "unfortunately" and "with disappointment". Its grammatical function is adverbial, modifying verbs or statements to express manner or feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regrettably

A single word conveying the same sentiment of regret, slightly more formal.

Unfortunately

Directly expresses disappointment or bad news, removing the focus on personal feeling.

With disappointment

Highlights the feeling of disappointment rather than regret, providing a nuanced alternative.

With reluctance

Emphasizes the speaker's unwillingness or hesitation, focusing on the action rather than the feeling.

I am sorry to say

Shifts the focus to the speaker's expression of sorrow, making it more personal.

It is with sorrow that

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow, making the statement more solemn.

It pains me to say

Highlights the speaker's emotional discomfort, more emphatic.

To my dismay

Focuses on the speaker's surprise and disappointment, less formal.

I lament to inform you

More dramatic and formal, emphasizing the speaker's sadness.

Much to my chagrin

Highlights a feeling of embarrassment and annoyance caused by disappointment, rather than mere sadness.

FAQs

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

Use "with regret" to introduce news that may cause disappointment or sadness. For example, "With regret, I must inform you that your application has been rejected."

What are some alternatives to "with regret"?

Alternatives include "regrettably", "unfortunately", or "with disappointment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "with regret"?

"With regret" is appropriate in formal communications, such as business correspondence or official announcements, where a sense of politeness and formality is desired.

Is "with regrets" the same as "with regret"?

No, "with regrets" is typically used to indicate that someone is unable to attend an event. "With regret" expresses sorrow or disappointment about a situation.