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B1 Noun, Verb #35 सबसे आम 21 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

regret

शीर्ष 35

At the A1 level, the word 'regret' might be a bit difficult, but you can understand it as a way to say 'I am sorry' about something you did in the past. Imagine you ate too much candy and now your stomach hurts. You might say, 'I regret eating so much candy.' It is a feeling of being sad because you made a choice that was not good. You can also see it in very simple sentences like 'I regret my mistake.' At this level, you don't need to worry about the complex grammar rules. Just think of it as a more formal or stronger way to say 'I'm sorry' to yourself or others. It is a very common word in English, so even at the beginning, it is good to know that it means you wish you had done something differently. You might hear it in songs or see it in simple stories. Remember, it's about the past. You look back and feel a little bit sad. That is regret.

For A2 learners, 'regret' is a useful word for talking about your life and your choices. You can use it as a verb: 'I regret buying this phone because it is too slow.' Or you can use it as a noun: 'I have no regrets about my holiday.' At this level, you should start to notice that we often use 'regret' with an '-ing' verb when we talk about the past. For example, 'I regret going to bed so late.' This is a very common pattern. You might also see it in formal letters, like 'We regret to inform you...' which is a polite way for a company to say 'no' or give bad news. It is more formal than 'sorry.' If you want to sound more professional, you can use 'regret' instead of 'sorry.' It shows that you are thinking about your actions. Try to use it when you talk about small mistakes you made, like buying the wrong thing or missing a bus. It helps you express more complex feelings than just 'sad.'

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'regret' in both its noun and verb forms. This is where the grammar becomes very important. You must learn the difference between 'regret doing' and 'regret to do.' Remember: 'regret doing' is for something you did in the past ('I regret telling her the truth'), while 'regret to do' is for giving bad news in the present ('I regret to tell you that you didn't get the job'). This is a classic exam point! You should also start using collocations like 'deeply regret' or 'sincere regret.' At this level, you can use 'regret' to talk about your experiences and life lessons. It is a key word for storytelling and sharing personal opinions. You will encounter it in news articles, formal emails, and literature. Understanding the nuance between 'regret' and 'sorry' is also important; 'regret' is often more about your own feelings and reflections, whereas 'sorry' is more about your relationship with another person.

B2 learners should master the various structures and nuances of 'regret.' You should be able to use it with 'that' clauses ('I regret that I was unable to attend') and in idiomatic expressions like 'to live to regret something.' You should also understand the difference between 'regretful' (the person) and 'regrettable' (the situation). For example, 'It was a regrettable decision, and he felt very regretful.' At this level, you can use 'regret' to discuss more abstract concepts, such as political or historical regrets. You should also be aware of its use in formal social contexts, like sending 'regrets' when you cannot attend an event. Your vocabulary should include synonyms like 'remorse' and 'contrition,' and you should know when to use each one. 'Regret' is a versatile tool for expressing complex emotions in essays, debates, and professional communication. You should also be able to identify the tone of 'regret' in different texts—whether it is sincere, formal, or perhaps even a bit insincere in a political apology.

At the C1 level, you should use 'regret' with sophistication and precision. This includes using it in complex grammatical structures, such as 'much to my regret' or 'it is a matter of profound regret.' You should be able to distinguish 'regret' from more academic or literary terms like 'lament,' 'deplore,' and 'rue.' You should also understand the psychological and philosophical dimensions of regret as discussed in higher-level texts. For instance, you might analyze a character's 'existential regret' in a novel or discuss the 'economic regret' of a failed policy. Your use of adverbs should be varied and accurate: 'bitterly regret,' 'poignantly regret,' 'belatedly regret.' You should also be sensitive to the use of 'regret' in diplomatic language, where it is often used to acknowledge a problem without taking full responsibility. At this level, 'regret' is not just a word for feeling sorry; it is a tool for nuanced analysis and high-level social navigation. You should be able to write a formal apology that uses 'regret' to strike exactly the right tone of professional sincerity.

For C2 learners, 'regret' is a word that can be explored in its most subtle and varied forms. You should be familiar with its etymology and how its meaning has evolved over time. You can use it to discuss complex emotional states where regret intersects with other feelings like nostalgia, melancholy, or shame. You should be able to use the word in highly formal or archaic-sounding constructions if the context requires it, such as 'I should not have thought to regret it.' You should also be a master of the idioms and cultural references associated with the word, from Edith Piaf to Frank Sinatra's 'My Way.' In your writing, you can use 'regret' to create specific rhetorical effects, perhaps by contrasting it with 'remorse' or 'repentance' to highlight a character's moral state. You should also be able to critique the use of 'regret' in public discourse, identifying when it is used as a 'non-apology apology.' At this level, your command of 'regret' should be indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to express the most delicate shades of human experience with absolute clarity and style.

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

regret 30 सेकंड में

Regret is the emotional pain of wishing a past decision had been different, often leading to personal growth or deep sadness.
As a verb, it follows specific patterns: 'regret doing' for the past and 'regret to say' for delivering bad news in the present.
It is a staple of formal communication, used by businesses and institutions to deliver rejections or apologies with professional politeness.
While similar to remorse, regret is broader and can apply to minor personal mistakes as well as major life-altering decisions.

The word regret is a powerful emotional term that bridges the gap between our past actions and our present feelings. At its core, regret is a cognitive and emotional state where an individual looks back at a decision, an action, or even a failure to act, and wishes they had chosen differently. It is not merely sadness; it is a specific form of sadness coupled with a sense of responsibility. When you feel regret, you are acknowledging that a different choice was possible and that the outcome of that alternative choice would likely have been better than the current reality. This word is used in a vast array of contexts, from the trivial—like regretting a spicy meal that causes indigestion—to the profound—such as regretting a lost relationship or a missed career opportunity that could have changed the trajectory of one's life. In psychology, regret is often viewed as a functional emotion because it helps us learn from our mistakes, ensuring that we do not repeat the same errors in the future. However, when regret becomes chronic, it can lead to rumination and significant mental distress. People use this word to express apologies, to reflect on their life journey, and to communicate a sense of 'what if' to others. It is a universal human experience, transcending cultures and languages, as everyone at some point faces the realization that their past choices have consequences that they now find undesirable. Understanding the nuance of regret involves recognizing its two forms: the noun, which is the feeling itself, and the verb, which is the act of experiencing that feeling or expressing it formally.

Transient Regret: This refers to short-lived feelings of disappointment over minor choices, such as buying a shirt that doesn't fit or missing a bus. It passes quickly as the consequences are minimal.
Existential Regret: A deeper, more permanent sense of sorrow regarding life's major paths, such as career choices, marriage, or personal values. This type of regret often requires significant psychological processing to overcome.

She looked back at her youth with a sense of regret, wishing she had traveled more before settling down.

In social interactions, regret is a cornerstone of politeness and formal communication. When a company cannot fulfill a request, they often start their response with 'We regret to inform you,' which serves as a professional buffer for bad news. In personal relationships, expressing regret is the first step toward reconciliation. It signals to the other person that you value their feelings and recognize the harm caused by your actions. The intensity of regret can vary significantly. One might feel a 'twinge of regret' or be 'consumed by regret.' The word also appears frequently in literature and film, often serving as a primary motivator for characters who seek redemption. For instance, a character might spend an entire story trying to undo a past mistake, driven entirely by the weight of their regret. It is also important to distinguish regret from guilt; while guilt is often focused on the violation of a moral code or harm done to others, regret can be entirely self-focused, relating to one's own missed potential or personal dissatisfaction. We also see regret used in legal settings, where a judge might consider whether a defendant shows 'genuine regret' or 'remorse' before deciding on a sentence. This demonstrates that regret is not just a private feeling but a socially evaluated trait that can have real-world legal and social implications.

I deeply regret the harsh words I spoke during our argument last night.

Furthermore, the word 'regret' is frequently paired with adverbs to indicate the depth of the emotion. 'Deeply,' 'sincerely,' 'bitterly,' and 'greatly' are common modifiers. These pairings help to convey the specific texture of the feeling. Bitter regret implies a sense of resentment or harshness, while sincere regret suggests an honest and heartfelt apology. In the business world, 'regrets' can also be used as a plural noun to mean a formal refusal of an invitation, as in 'Please send your regrets if you cannot attend the gala.' This usage is somewhat formal and traditional, yet it remains a staple of high-end social etiquette. The versatility of 'regret'—moving from a profound internal ache to a formal social convention—makes it an essential word for any English learner to master. It allows for the expression of complex human emotions and the navigation of delicate social situations with grace and precision. Whether you are writing a formal letter of apology or sharing a personal story with a friend, knowing how to use 'regret' correctly ensures that your message is both clear and emotionally resonant.

The company expressed its regret over the technical failure that inconvenienced thousands of customers.

Formal Usage: 'We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.' This is a standard way to deliver bad news professionally.
Informal Usage: 'I really regret eating that third slice of cake.' This expresses a simple, relatable feeling of having made a poor choice.

Do you have any regrets about leaving your old job for this new venture?

Much to his regret, he never got the chance to say goodbye to his grandfather.

Regret vs. Remorse: While often used interchangeably, remorse specifically implies a deep sense of moral guilt for having wronged someone, whereas regret can be about a personal mistake that only affects oneself.

Using the word regret correctly requires an understanding of its dual nature as both a noun and a verb, as well as the specific grammatical patterns that follow the verb form. This is one of the most common areas where English learners make mistakes, particularly when deciding between using an infinitive or a gerund. When 'regret' is used as a verb, the choice between 'to do' and 'doing' completely changes the meaning of the sentence. This distinction is vital for clear communication. If you say, 'I regret to tell you,' you are expressing sorrow about something you are about to do or say in the present moment—usually delivering bad news. Conversely, if you say, 'I regret telling you,' you are expressing sorrow about an action that has already happened in the past. This subtle shift in verb form moves the focus of the regret from a future/present action to a past one. As a noun, 'regret' is often used with prepositions like 'for' or 'about,' or as part of fixed expressions like 'to my regret' or 'with much regret.' Mastering these patterns allows you to express a wide range of emotions and formal apologies with accuracy.

Regret + Gerund (-ing): Used for past actions. 'He regrets buying that expensive car.' (He bought it, and now he feels sorry about it.)
Regret + Infinitive (to...): Used for present/future actions, typically for giving bad news. 'We regret to inform you that the flight is delayed.' (We are sorry to tell you this now.)

I regret not studying harder for the final exam.

When using 'regret' as a noun, it can be countable or uncountable depending on the context. In a general sense, such as 'He felt a sense of regret,' it is uncountable. However, when referring to specific instances of feeling sorry, it can be plural: 'He had many regrets about his time in college.' The plural form 'regrets' is also used in formal invitations to indicate that one cannot attend. For example, 'Please accept my regrets as I will be out of town on the day of the wedding.' This is a very specific, high-register usage that is important for formal social correspondence. Another common pattern is the use of 'regret' with a 'that' clause: 'I regret that I cannot be there with you today.' This is a slightly more formal way of expressing the sentiment and is frequently used in speeches or written messages. The word can also be modified by various adjectives to show intensity. 'Deep regret,' 'sincere regret,' 'bitter regret,' and 'profound regret' are all common collocations that help specify the nature of the feeling.

The manager expressed his regret that the project was not completed on time.

In addition to the basic verb and noun forms, there are several idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases that involve 'regret.' For instance, 'to live to regret something' means that you will eventually feel sorry for a decision you are making now. 'You'll live to regret that decision!' is a common warning. Another phrase is 'to have no regrets,' which is often used to express a sense of satisfaction with one's life choices, despite any difficulties faced. This phrase is frequently used in interviews with successful people who reflect on their journey. In formal writing, 'it is a matter of regret' is a sophisticated way to say that something is unfortunate. For example, 'It is a matter of great regret that the two parties could not reach an agreement.' This structure moves the focus away from a specific person feeling the emotion and onto the situation itself, which is a common technique in diplomatic or academic writing. Understanding these varied structures allows for a more nuanced and professional use of the English language.

If you don't take this opportunity now, you may regret it for the rest of your life.

Regret + That Clause: 'I regret that I was unable to attend the meeting.' This is more formal than 'I'm sorry I couldn't come.'
To My Regret: 'To my great regret, I never learned to play the piano.' This phrase introduces a personal disappointment.

She sent her regrets to the party organizers because she had a prior engagement.

The athlete expressed regret for his unsportsmanlike conduct during the game.

Regret vs. Rue: 'Rue' is a more poetic and old-fashioned synonym for regret. You might see it in literature ('He will rue the day!'), but 'regret' is the standard word for modern speech and writing.

The word regret is ubiquitous in English, appearing in everything from high-stakes legal proceedings to everyday casual conversations. One of the most common places you will encounter it is in formal correspondence. Businesses and institutions use 'regret' as a polite way to deliver disappointing news. If you apply for a job and don't get it, the rejection letter will almost certainly begin with 'We regret to inform you...' This usage is so common that the phrase itself has become a bit of a cliché, yet it remains the standard for professional etiquette. Similarly, in the world of customer service, companies often issue statements of 'regret' following a service outage or a product recall. In these contexts, 'regret' serves to acknowledge the customer's frustration without necessarily admitting legal liability, making it a carefully chosen word in corporate communications. You will also hear it frequently in news reports, especially when public figures or politicians are apologizing for past actions or statements. A politician might say, 'I deeply regret the comments I made,' which is a way of attempting to move past a scandal by showing a sense of personal growth and accountability.

Formal Rejections: Found in emails from universities, employers, or publishers. 'We regret that we cannot offer you a position at this time.'
Public Apologies: Common in press releases or televised statements from celebrities or leaders who have made a mistake.

'We regret to inform you that your flight has been canceled due to weather conditions.'

In popular culture, 'regret' is a central theme in music and film. Countless songs are written about the pain of looking back on a lost love or a life lived poorly. Edith Piaf’s famous song 'Non, je ne regrette rien' (No, I regret nothing) is a powerful anthem of defiance and self-acceptance that has resonated globally. In movies, characters are often driven by a 'haunting regret,' which provides the emotional core of their journey. Whether it's a retired detective regretting an unsolved case or a parent regretting time spent away from their children, this emotion is a powerful storytelling tool. You will also hear the word in casual conversation among friends. People often share their 'biggest regrets' as a way of bonding or giving advice. Phrases like 'I regret not taking that trip' or 'I regret buying this phone' are common ways people express their daily frustrations and life lessons. In these informal settings, 'regret' is often used more loosely than in formal contexts, but the underlying feeling of wishing for a different outcome remains the same.

'My only regret is that I didn't start this project sooner,' the entrepreneur said during the interview.

Another interesting place you hear 'regret' is in the legal and justice system. During sentencing hearings, judges often look for signs of 'genuine regret' or 'remorse' from the defendant. A lawyer might argue that their client 'deeply regrets their actions' as a way to seek a more lenient sentence. This highlights the social value we place on the ability to feel and express regret; it is seen as a sign of moral character and the potential for rehabilitation. In medical contexts, 'regret' is sometimes discussed in the context of 'treatment regret,' where patients might feel sorry about choosing a particular surgery or medication after experiencing side effects. This is a crucial part of the conversation around informed consent and patient autonomy. Finally, in the world of social media, 'regret' is often used humorously. People post photos of 'fashion regrets' from their teenage years or 'regrettable' late-night snacks. This lighter use of the word shows how it has been integrated into the modern lexicon as a way to laugh at our own small mistakes and shared human fallibility.

The judge noted that the defendant showed no regret for the crimes committed.

Legal Context: Used to evaluate a person's moral standing or potential for change after a crime.
Social Media/Humor: Used to share funny or relatable mistakes, like 'haircut regrets' or 'shopping regrets.'

'I regret to say that we are sold out of the limited edition sneakers.'

The documentary explored the regrets of people who had spent their lives chasing wealth over family.

Song Lyrics: 'Regret' is a staple word in ballads and blues music, symbolizing lost time and missed connections.

One of the most frequent errors English learners make with the word regret involves the confusion between the gerund (-ing) and the infinitive (to + verb). This is not just a grammatical nuance; it is a fundamental difference in meaning. As discussed previously, 'regret doing' refers to the past, while 'regret to do' refers to the present or future act of giving bad news. Learners often say 'I regret to buy this car' when they mean they already bought it and are unhappy. The correct form is 'I regret buying this car.' Conversely, using the gerund when you are about to deliver bad news, such as 'I regret telling you that you failed,' sounds like you already told them and now feel sorry about it, which can be very confusing for the listener. Another common mistake is the misuse of prepositions. Many learners say 'regret about' or 'regret for' when using the verb form. However, 'regret' as a verb is transitive and does not usually take a preposition: 'I regret my decision,' not 'I regret about my decision.' The noun form, however, *can* take prepositions: 'He felt regret for his actions.' Keeping these two structures separate is key to sounding natural.

Gerund vs. Infinitive: Mistake: 'I regret to tell him the secret.' (Means you are about to tell him). Correct: 'I regret telling him the secret.' (Means you already told him and feel sorry now.)
Preposition Overuse: Mistake: 'I regret for the mistake.' Correct: 'I regret the mistake' (verb) or 'I feel regret for the mistake' (noun).

Incorrect: We regret informing you that the store is closed. (Sounds like you already told them.) Correct: We regret to inform you that the store is closed.

Another area of confusion is the difference between 'regretful' and 'regrettable.' These two adjectives are often swapped incorrectly. 'Regretful' describes a person who feels regret: 'He was regretful after the argument.' 'Regrettable,' on the other hand, describes a situation or action that causes regret: 'It was a regrettable mistake.' You would never say 'The mistake was regretful' or 'He was a regrettable person' (unless you mean he himself is something to be sorry about!). This distinction is similar to the difference between 'bored' and 'boring.' Additionally, some learners confuse 'regret' with 'remorse' or 'repentance.' While they are related, 'remorse' is much stronger and usually involves a moral or ethical failing, whereas 'regret' can be about something as simple as choosing the wrong flavor of ice cream. Using 'remorse' for a minor mistake can sound overly dramatic or even strange. Finally, the plural form 'regrets' in formal invitations is often misunderstood. Some people think it means they are actually feeling sad, but in that specific context, it is just a formal way of saying 'I cannot come.'

Incorrect: It was a very regretful incident. Correct: It was a very regrettable incident.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the negative form of 'regret' when used with a gerund. To say you feel sorry that you *didn't* do something, the 'not' must come before the gerund: 'I regret not going to the party.' A common mistake is to say 'I don't regret going' when you actually mean you are sorry you stayed home. The placement of the negative word is crucial for the logic of the sentence. Furthermore, in very formal settings, the phrase 'I regret to say' is sometimes overused by learners who are trying to sound polite but end up sounding robotic. While it is perfect for a business letter, using it in a casual conversation with friends can feel stiff and unnatural. In those cases, 'I'm sorry to say' or 'Unfortunately' is usually a better choice. Lastly, be careful with the word 'regrettably.' It is an adverb used to describe an entire situation, similar to 'unfortunately.' For example: 'Regrettably, we were unable to save the data.' Some learners try to use it to describe how a person is acting, which is incorrect. You would say 'He spoke regretfully,' not 'He spoke regrettably.'

Incorrect: I regret to not call my mother. Correct: I regret not calling my mother.

Regretful vs. Regrettably: 'He looked at me regretfully' (describes his feeling). 'Regrettably, the event was canceled' (describes the situation).
Noun vs. Verb Placement: Mistake: 'My regret is big.' Correct: 'I have great regret' or 'My regret is profound.' (Using 'big' with emotions often sounds childish.)

Incorrect: I regret about the time I wasted. Correct: I regret the time I wasted.

Incorrect: She is very regrettable for her behavior. Correct: She is very regretful for her behavior.

Formal 'Regrets': Mistake: 'I have many regrets that I can't come to your party.' Correct: 'Please accept my regrets; I cannot attend your party.'

While regret is the most versatile and commonly used word for this feeling, English offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that can provide more specific meaning depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives allows you to express yourself with greater precision. For example, 'remorse' is a much deeper and more morally charged word than 'regret.' While you might regret buying a car that breaks down, you would feel remorse for hurting a friend's feelings or committing a crime. Remorse implies a sense of guilt and a desire for atonement. Another alternative is 'repentance,' which has a strong religious or spiritual connotation. It involves not just feeling sorry, but also turning away from sin or bad behavior and seeking forgiveness. In more poetic or literary contexts, you might encounter the word 'rue.' To 'rue the day' is a classic expression meaning to bitterly regret something. It carries a weight of fate and drama that 'regret' lacks. For milder situations, words like 'disappointment' or 'sorrow' might be more appropriate, especially if the feeling is less about a specific choice and more about a general outcome.

Regret vs. Remorse: Regret is about wishing for a different outcome. Remorse is about feeling guilty for a moral wrong. You regret a bad investment; you feel remorse for lying.
Regret vs. Rue: Rue is archaic and dramatic. It is rarely used in daily speech but common in literature and idioms like 'He'll rue the day he met me!'

He felt a deep sense of remorse for the pain he had caused his family.

In formal or academic writing, you might use 'lament' or 'deplore.' To lament something is to express deep sorrow or grief about it, often publicly. For instance, a critic might 'lament the decline of traditional theater.' To deplore something is even stronger; it means to express strong disapproval and regret about a situation. A government might 'deplore the use of violence' in a conflict. These words move the sentiment from a private feeling to a public stance. On the other end of the spectrum, 'contrition' is a formal word for the state of feeling sorry for one's sins or mistakes, often used in legal or religious contexts. A person who shows contrition is seen as humble and ready to make amends. For more casual, everyday situations, you might use phrases like 'kick oneself.' If you say, 'I'm kicking myself for not buying those tickets earlier,' you are expressing a relatable, informal type of regret. This idiom captures the self-directed frustration that often accompanies minor missed opportunities.

I'm kicking myself for missing that sale; the prices were incredible!

Another set of related words involves the concept of 'hindsight.' While not a synonym for regret, hindsight is the understanding of a situation only after it has happened, which is the prerequisite for feeling regret. The phrase 'Hindsight is 20/20' means it is easy to see what you should have done after the fact. Relatedly, 'penitence' is the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong. It is similar to repentance but often focuses more on the outward expression of that sorrow. In professional settings, you might hear 'compunction,' which refers to a slight feeling of guilt or regret that prevents you from doing something. For example, 'He had no compunction about lying to get the job.' This word is often used in the negative to describe someone who is ruthless or lacks a moral compass. Finally, 'guilt' is the most common companion to regret. While they often go together, they are distinct: guilt is about the 'who' (I am a bad person), while regret is about the 'what' (I made a bad choice). Distinguishing between these synonyms will greatly enhance your ability to describe complex human emotions.

The politician showed no compunction when he was caught in a lie.

Regret vs. Lament: Regret is usually personal and internal. Lament is often a public or vocal expression of sorrow about a larger trend or event.
Regret vs. Penitence: Regret is a feeling; penitence is the state of being sorry and often involves an act of making up for the mistake.

Many elderly people lament the loss of community in modern cities.

With hindsight, I can see that my regret was based on a misunderstanding of the situation.

Regret vs. Contrition: Contrition is a formal, often legal or religious term for sincere remorse. Regret is the general, everyday term.

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

तटस्थ

अनौपचारिक

Child friendly

बोलचाल

रोचक तथ्य

The 're-' prefix in 'regret' is intensive, and the '-greter' part is likely related to the Old Norse word 'grata,' which means 'to weep.' So, etymologically, to regret is to 'weep again.'

उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका

UK /rɪˈɡret/

US /rəˈɡret/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-GRET.

तुकबंदी

bet get let met net pet set yet

आम गलतियाँ

Stressing the first syllable (RE-gret).
Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound.
Making the first 'e' too long (ree-GRET).
Failing to pronounce the final 't' clearly.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'regretful'.

कठिनाई स्तर

पठन 3/5

The word itself is common, but its use in formal texts can be complex.

लिखना 4/5

The gerund vs. infinitive rule is a frequent source of errors for learners.

बोलना 3/5

Used frequently in personal stories and apologies.

श्रवण 2/5

Usually easy to hear, though it can be spoken quickly in formal announcements.

आगे क्या सीखें

पूर्वापेक्षाएँ

sorry sad past choice mistake

आगे सीखें

remorse repentance lament unfortunate apology

उन्नत

counterfactual existential atonement contrition rueful

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

Gerund vs. Infinitive after 'Regret'

I regret telling him (past) vs. I regret to tell him (present/future).

Negative Gerunds

I regret not going to the party. (The 'not' comes before the -ing word.)

Transitive Verb Usage

I regret the decision. (No preposition like 'about' is needed after the verb.)

Noun Prepositions

He felt regret for his actions. (The noun often uses 'for' or 'about'.)

Formal 'That' Clauses

I regret that I was unable to help. (Used for formal written communication.)

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

I regret eating the whole cake.

I am sorry I ate the cake.

Regret + -ing (past action).

I regret my mistake.

I am sorry for my mistake.

Regret + noun.

Do you regret it?

Are you sorry about it?

Simple question form.

I have no regret.

I am not sorry.

Regret as a noun.

I regret saying that.

I am sorry I said that.

Regret + -ing.

He feels regret.

He is sorry.

Verb 'feel' + noun 'regret'.

I regret the lost time.

I am sorry about the time I lost.

Regret + noun phrase.

They regret their choice.

They are sorry about their choice.

Subject + verb + object.

I regret buying this expensive phone.

I am sorry I spent so much money on this phone.

Regret + gerund for past action.

We regret to inform you that the shop is closed.

We are sorry to tell you the shop is closed.

Regret + infinitive for giving bad news.

She has many regrets about her school days.

She is sorry about many things from school.

Plural noun 'regrets'.

I really regret not going to the party.

I am sorry I didn't go to the party.

Regret + not + gerund.

Do you have any regrets about moving here?

Are you sorry you moved here?

Noun 'regrets' in a question.

I regret that I cannot help you today.

I am sorry I can't help you.

Regret + that clause.

He expressed his regret for the late arrival.

He said he was sorry for being late.

Noun 'regret' + preposition 'for'.

I regret being so rude to you.

I am sorry I was rude.

Regret + gerund 'being'.

I deeply regret not taking the job offer when I had the chance.

I am very sorry I didn't accept the job.

Adverb 'deeply' + regret + not + gerund.

We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.

We are sorry to tell you that you didn't get the job.

Standard formal phrase for rejection.

To my great regret, I never learned to play a musical instrument.

I am very sorry that I never learned music.

Prepositional phrase 'To my (great) regret'.

He will live to regret his decision to quit school.

He will be sorry in the future that he quit school.

Idiom 'live to regret'.

The company issued a statement of regret regarding the data breach.

The company said they were sorry about the stolen data.

Noun 'regret' in a formal context.

I regret that I was unable to attend your wedding.

I am sorry I couldn't come to your wedding.

Formal 'that' clause.

She looked back on her life with a sense of regret.

She felt sorry when she thought about her life.

Noun phrase 'a sense of regret'.

I regret to say that the project has been delayed again.

I am sorry to tell you the project is late.

Regret + infinitive 'to say'.

It is with much regret that we announce the retirement of our CEO.

We are very sorry to say our CEO is retiring.

Formal introductory phrase.

The athlete expressed sincere regret for his unsportsmanlike behavior.

The athlete said he was truly sorry for his bad behavior.

Adjective 'sincere' + noun 'regret'.

Many people regret not spending more time with their families.

Many people are sorry they didn't spend time with family.

General statement using regret + gerund.

The decision was a regrettable one, as it led to significant financial loss.

The decision was something to be sorry about because it lost money.

Adjective 'regrettable' describing a noun.

He spoke regretfully about the missed opportunities of his youth.

He spoke in a way that showed he was sorry about missed chances.

Adverb 'regretfully' describing the verb 'spoke'.

I have no regrets about the path I chose in life.

I am not sorry about my life choices.

Plural noun 'regrets' with 'no'.

The government expressed regret over the loss of life during the disaster.

The government said they were sorry people died.

Regret + over + noun phrase.

If you don't act now, you may regret it later.

If you don't do it now, you might be sorry later.

Conditional sentence with regret.

The politician's apology was seen by many as a hollow expression of regret.

People thought the politician wasn't truly sorry.

Noun phrase 'hollow expression of regret'.

Much to my regret, the two parties were unable to reach a compromise.

I am very sorry that they couldn't agree.

Formal introductory phrase 'Much to my regret'.

The novel explores the themes of memory, loss, and existential regret.

The book is about memory, loss, and deep life sorrow.

Abstract noun usage.

He will forever rue the day he turned down that life-changing opportunity.

He will always bitterly regret missing that chance.

Use of the literary synonym 'rue'.

The company's failure to address the issue earlier is a matter of profound regret.

It is very sad that the company didn't fix the problem sooner.

Formal construction 'is a matter of... regret'.

Regrettably, the circumstances are beyond our control.

Unfortunately, we cannot change the situation.

Adverb 'Regrettably' used as a sentence modifier.

She felt a twinge of regret as she watched her old house being sold.

She felt a small bit of sorrow.

Noun phrase 'a twinge of regret'.

His actions were a source of constant regret for his parents.

His parents were always sorry about what he did.

Noun phrase 'a source of... regret'.

The philosophical treatise delves into the nature of regret as a uniquely human cognitive burden.

The book explains regret as a difficult human thought process.

Highly academic context.

In the twilight of his life, he found himself consumed by the bitter regrets of his youth.

As he got old, he was overwhelmed by very sad feelings about his past.

Literary and metaphorical usage.

The diplomat's carefully worded statement expressed regret without conceding any legal liability.

The diplomat said sorry but didn't admit the government was wrong.

Nuanced use of regret in international relations.

One might argue that the very capacity for regret is what defines our moral agency.

Some say that feeling regret shows we are moral beings.

Abstract philosophical argument.

The archival letters reveal a man haunted by the regret of a love left unacknowledged.

Old letters show he was very sad about a love he never spoke of.

Evocative literary description.

Should you choose to ignore this warning, you will do so at your own peril and future regret.

If you ignore this, you will be sorry later.

Formal, almost archaic warning structure.

The sheer poignancy of his regret was palpable to everyone in the room.

Everyone could feel how truly sorry he was.

Advanced noun phrase with 'poignancy'.

To lament the past is a common human frailty, yet to regret nothing is perhaps a greater one.

Being sad about the past is human, but never being sorry might be worse.

Philosophical paradox.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

deeply regret

sincere regret

bitter regret

regret to inform

express regret

sense of regret

much to my regret

no regrets

twinge of regret

profound regret

सामान्य वाक्यांश

regret to say

live to regret

send one's regrets

with regret

no regrets

to my regret

matter of regret

deepest regrets

express one's regret

feel regret

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

regret vs Remorse

Remorse is specifically about moral guilt, while regret is broader and can be about any bad choice.

regret vs Sorry

Sorry is more personal and common; regret is more formal and often used for self-reflection.

regret vs Repentance

Repentance involves a religious or moral change of heart, not just a feeling of sadness.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"kick oneself"

To be very annoyed with oneself for making a mistake or missing an opportunity.

I'm kicking myself for not buying that house when it was cheap.

informal

"rue the day"

To bitterly regret a specific day or event.

You will rue the day you ever met me!

literary/dramatic

"crying over spilled milk"

Worrying about a past mistake that cannot be changed.

I know you regret the error, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.

neutral

"hindsight is 20/20"

It is easy to see what should have been done after an event has happened.

I regret the investment, but hindsight is 20/20.

neutral

"eat one's words"

To regret something one has said, especially when proven wrong.

He said I would fail, but I'll make him eat his words.

informal

"bite the bullet"

To accept something difficult or regrettable and move on.

I regret the cost, but I'll just have to bite the bullet and pay.

neutral

"water under the bridge"

Past events that are finished and should no longer be a source of regret.

We had our fights, but that's all water under the bridge now.

neutral

"buy a pig in a poke"

To buy something without looking at it, often leading to regret.

I regret buying this car online; I really bought a pig in a poke.

informal/old-fashioned

"day late and a dollar short"

Action taken too late to be effective, leading to regret.

His apology was a day late and a dollar short.

informal

"miss the boat"

To miss an opportunity and regret it later.

I missed the boat on that stock investment.

informal

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

regret vs Regretful

Both come from the same root.

Regretful describes a person who feels sorry. It is an internal state of a human being.

He was regretful for his angry words.

regret vs Regrettable

Both come from the same root.

Regrettable describes an event or situation that is unfortunate. It is an external quality of a thing.

The cancellation of the concert was regrettable.

regret vs Remorse

They both mean feeling sorry.

Remorse is much stronger and usually involves a sense of having done something morally wrong or harmful to others.

He felt deep remorse for stealing the money.

regret vs Rue

It is a synonym.

Rue is very literary or archaic. You will mostly see it in old books or specific idioms like 'rue the day.'

She will rue the day she lied to me.

regret vs Lament

They both involve sadness about the past.

Lament is often a vocal or public expression of sorrow, whereas regret can be completely private and silent.

The community lamented the closing of the local school.

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

I regret [noun].

I regret the mistake.

I regret [verb-ing].

I regret buying this.

I regret not [verb-ing].

I regret not going.

I regret to [verb].

I regret to inform you.

To my [adjective] regret, [clause].

To my great regret, I missed the flight.

It is with [noun] that I [verb].

It is with regret that I resign.

A matter of [adjective] regret.

It is a matter of profound regret.

[Noun] haunted by [noun].

He was haunted by the regret of his past.

शब्द परिवार

संज्ञा

क्रिया

विशेषण

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

सामान्य गलतियाँ

I regret to buy this car. → I regret buying this car.
You use the -ing form (gerund) for actions that happened in the past. The 'to + verb' form is only for giving bad news in the present.
I regret about my choice. → I regret my choice.
As a verb, 'regret' is transitive and does not need the preposition 'about.' You regret something directly.
It was a very regretful mistake. → It was a very regrettable mistake.
'Regretful' describes a person's feelings. 'Regrettable' describes the situation or the mistake itself.
I regret not to go to the party. → I regret not going to the party.
When expressing regret for a past action you didn't do, use 'not' followed by the gerund (-ing).
We regret informing you that the flight is late. → We regret to inform you that the flight is late.
When you are currently giving bad news, you must use the 'to + verb' (infinitive) form.

सुझाव

Master the Gerund

Always use the -ing form after 'regret' when you are talking about something you did in the past. This is the most common way to use the word in daily life. For example: 'I regret buying this.' It's a simple rule that will make your English sound much more natural.

The Professional Rejection

If you ever have to write a formal email saying 'no' to someone, start with 'We regret to inform you.' It is the standard professional way to deliver bad news. It shows respect and politeness without being too emotional or personal.

Regret vs. Remorse

Use 'remorse' for big moral mistakes and 'regret' for everything else. If you forgot your friend's birthday, use 'regret.' If you stole their car, use 'remorse.' This distinction helps you match the intensity of your words to the situation.

Use 'Kicking Myself'

In casual conversation, 'I'm kicking myself' is a great idiom to use instead of 'I regret.' It sounds very natural and less formal. For example: 'I'm kicking myself for missing that sale!' It's a fun way to express a small mistake to friends.

Adjective Accuracy

Remember: People are 'regretful,' but situations are 'regrettable.' If you get this right, you will sound like a very advanced English learner. It's a small detail that makes a big difference in the quality of your writing and speaking.

Sending Regrets

If you can't go to a formal event, just say 'I must send my regrets.' You don't always need to give a long explanation. In formal culture, 'sending regrets' is a complete and polite answer on its own.

The Power of 'Not'

When you regret something you DIDN'T do, the 'not' goes before the -ing. 'I regret not studying.' This is a common spot for grammar mistakes, so pay extra attention to the word order when you are talking about missed opportunities.

Listen for the 'T'

In British English, the final 't' in 'regret' is often very sharp. In American English, it might be a bit softer. Practicing both will help you understand different accents more easily when people are expressing their feelings.

Exam Favorite

The difference between 'regret to inform' and 'regret informing' is a very common question on English exams like the FCE, CAE, or IELTS. Memorize this rule perfectly and you will likely gain extra points on your grammar section.

No Regrets Motto

Try to use the phrase 'I have no regrets' when talking about your life experiences. It's a very positive way to show that you have learned from everything that has happened to you, even the difficult parts. It's a great conversation closer.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Think of 'RE-GRET' as 'RE-GET.' You wish you could go back and 'RE-GET' a better choice.

दृश्य संबंध

Imagine a person looking into a rearview mirror of a car, seeing a road they didn't take. The mirror represents the past and the feeling of regret.

Word Web

Past Sadness Choice Apology Mistake Memory Learning Formal

चैलेंज

Write three sentences about things you regret doing, and three sentences about things you regret NOT doing. Make sure to use the '-ing' form correctly.

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

The word 'regret' comes from the Old French word 'regreter,' which meant 'to bewail' or 'to lament the dead.'

मूल अर्थ: It originally referred to the act of weeping or mourning for someone who had passed away.

It is part of the Romance language influence on English, entering the language in the late 14th century.

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Be careful when asking people about their 'biggest regrets' as it can be a very personal and emotional topic.

The phrase 'No Regrets' is a very common tattoo and social media hashtag in English-speaking countries.

Frank Sinatra's song 'My Way' contains the famous line 'Regrets, I've had a few; But then again, too few to mention.' Edith Piaf's 'Non, je ne regrette rien' is a world-famous anthem of having no regrets. The movie 'Manchester by the Sea' is a profound exploration of a man living with unbearable regret.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

Job Applications

We regret to inform you...
Thank you for your interest, but...
We regret that we cannot offer...
Please accept our regrets...

Personal Relationships

I deeply regret what I said.
I have no regrets about our time together.
I regret hurting you.
My only regret is...

Shopping and Money

Buyer's regret
I regret spending so much.
I regret not buying it when I saw it.
I'm kicking myself for this purchase.

Formal Events

Send one's regrets
With much regret, I cannot attend.
Please accept my regrets.
It is with regret that I decline.

Life Reflections

Looking back with regret
A sense of regret
No regrets
Live to regret

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"What is one thing you regret buying recently and why?"

"Do you believe in the philosophy of living life with 'no regrets'?"

"If you could go back in time, is there one decision you would change to avoid regret?"

"Have you ever received a 'we regret to inform you' letter that actually led to something better?"

"What do you think is the most common regret people have when they get older?"

डायरी विषय

Write about a time you felt deep regret. What did you learn from the experience and how did it change you?

Reflect on a 'regrettable' decision that actually had a positive outcome in the long run.

Describe the difference between regret and remorse in your own words, using examples from your life.

If you could write a letter to your younger self about avoiding certain regrets, what would you say?

How do you handle the feeling of regret when it arises? Do you ruminate or move on quickly?

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

This is a very important distinction in English grammar. 'Regret doing' is used when you are talking about an action that happened in the past. For example, 'I regret buying this car' means you already bought it and now you are sorry. 'Regret to do' is used when you are about to give someone bad news in the present. For example, 'I regret to tell you that you failed' means you are sorry to give the bad news right now. Using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.

Actually, it is better to avoid the word 'about' when using 'regret' as a verb. 'Regret' is a transitive verb, which means it takes an object directly. You should say 'I regret my mistake' or 'I regret making a mistake.' However, if you use 'regret' as a noun, you can use prepositions. For example, 'He felt no regret for his mistake' or 'He had many regrets about his past.' Just remember: no 'about' after the verb!

Yes, 'regret' is generally considered more formal than 'sorry.' While you might say 'I'm sorry' to a friend for being late, a company would say 'We regret the delay' in an official announcement. 'Regret' also implies a deeper level of reflection. You can be sorry for something small without much thought, but regret usually involves looking back at a choice and wishing it were different. In professional writing, 'regret' is almost always the better choice.

In formal social etiquette, 'regrets' is used as a noun to mean that you cannot attend an event. You might see a line on an invitation that says 'Regrets only,' which means you only need to reply if you are NOT coming. If you want to decline an invitation politely, you can say, 'Please accept my regrets, as I have a prior engagement.' It is a very sophisticated way to say 'no' to a formal party or wedding.

This is a common English idiom used to warn someone about a bad decision. It means that even if the person is happy with their choice now, they will eventually feel sorry about it in the future. For example, if a student wants to quit school, a teacher might say, 'You will live to regret that decision.' It implies that the consequences of the action will be long-lasting and painful.

Buyer's regret (or buyer's remorse) is the sense of regret a person feels after making a large purchase. It often happens with expensive items like cars, houses, or high-end electronics. The person might worry that they spent too much money or that they chose the wrong product. It is a very common psychological phenomenon that many people experience after a big shopping trip.

Generally, no. Regret is almost always a negative emotion. However, people sometimes use it in a slightly humorous or ironic way. For example, 'My only regret is that I didn't eat more of that delicious cake!' In this case, the person is actually praising the cake, but they are using the language of regret to show how much they enjoyed it. But in 99% of cases, regret is about something you wish were different because it was bad.

This is a very common mistake! 'Regretful' is an adjective that describes a person who feels regret. For example, 'She gave him a regretful look.' 'Regrettable' is an adjective that describes a situation or action that is unfortunate or causes regret. For example, 'It was a regrettable error.' You would never say 'The error was regretful' because an error cannot feel emotions. Always check if you are describing a person or a thing!

Yes, 'no regrets' is an extremely common phrase in English-speaking culture. It is often used as a personal motto, meaning that the person accepts all their past experiences, even the bad ones, as part of their journey. You will see it in song lyrics, as tattoos, and in social media bios. It represents a positive, forward-looking attitude toward life, even if it is not always 100% true for everyone.

The most important thing to remember is that the stress is on the second syllable: re-GRET. The first syllable is a very short 'ri' or 'ruh' sound, and the second syllable sounds like the word 'get.' If you put the stress on the first syllable (RE-gret), it will sound very strange to native speakers. Make sure to also pronounce the 't' at the end clearly, but don't add an extra vowel sound after it.