It is with regret that

The grammar here is actually quite straightforward, even if the social vibe is complex. You start with the fixed opening It is with regret that, then you follow it immediately with a full sentence (a clause) explaining the bad news. For example: It is with regret that we announce the closure of the city library. Notice how it uses "it" as a dummy subject? This keeps the focus on the "regret" rather than on a specific person like "me" or "us." It makes the bad news feel less like a personal attack and more like an unfortunate fact of professional life. You can also add adjectives to make it even more serious, like It is with great regret that or It is with deep regret that. Just remember that the word that is the glue holding the two parts together. Do not forget it, or the sentence will fall apart like a soggy biscuit. You are essentially setting a formal stage before you drop the hammer of bad news. It is all about the professional setup.

This phrase lives in the highest possible neighborhood of formality. It belongs to the "high register," which means it is used when there is a significant professional distance between the speaker and the listener. You will find it in official letters from government agencies, HR departments, or university admissions boards. It is the language of press releases, formal obituaries, and legal documents. If you use this in a WhatsApp message to your best friend, they will definitely think you are being sarcastic or dramatic. "It is with regret that I inform you I cannot make it to the movies" sounds like you are trying to win an award for the world's most formal friend. But in a business email or an official report? It is pure gold. It shows you understand professional etiquette and that you take the situation seriously. It is a sign of respect, even if the news itself is a bummer. Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a firm, professional handshake in a boardroom.

Let us look at how this phrase pops up in the real world. Imagine a major tech company has to cancel its annual conference due to a global event. The CEO will not just tweet "Sorry guys, no show." Instead, the official website will state: It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of TechConf 2026. It sounds official and serious, doesn't it? Or consider a job rejection. After three rounds of intense interviews, you might get an email saying: It is with regret that we inform you that we have chosen another candidate. It still stings, but the phrase adds a layer of professional courtesy that a simple "You didn't get the job" lacks. You might also see it in the news when a famous historical figure passes away: It is with deep regret that the family announces the passing of the former President. In each case, the phrase acts as a formal warning. It prepares the reader for a piece of information that is expected to cause sadness or disappointment.

Use this phrase when you need to be the "voice of the organization." It is perfect for official announcements where you want to maintain a professional distance while still expressing a polite level of sorrow. It is the go-to choice for HR managers, public relations spokespeople, and legal representatives. Use it when the news is genuinely serious—like a major project being canceled, a contract not being renewed, or a formal apology for a massive service failure. It is also appropriate in high-level academic writing when you have to disagree with another researcher’s findings but want to remain extremely respectful. For example: "It is with regret that I must disagree with the conclusions of the previous study." It shows you are a professional who values decorum and politeness above all else. Basically, if you are wearing a suit (literally or metaphorically), this phrase is your best friend. It is the ultimate "bad news" lubricant for the professional world.

Do not use this for the small stuff. Seriously, do not. If you are five minutes late for a Zoom call, saying It is with regret that I am late makes you sound like a character in a period drama who has lost their mind. Just say "Sorry I'm late!" Also, avoid it in casual settings. Using it with family, friends, or even close coworkers can come off as cold, sarcastic, or just plain weird. It creates too much distance. If your partner asks why you forgot to buy milk and you respond with It is with regret that I forgot the dairy products, you might find yourself sleeping on the couch. It is also not suitable for positive news. You cannot say It is with regret that I tell you you have won the lottery. That would be a very confusing day for everyone involved. Keep it for the heavy, official, "I am being a professional right now" moments where a little distance is actually a good thing.

One big mistake learners make is forgetting the that or confusing it with other phrases. People often try to say It is with regret to inform you, which is a messy mix-up with the other common phrase, We regret to inform you. Remember: it is either It is with regret that... or We regret to.... Do not cross the streams! Another common error is using of instead of that, like It is with regret of the news. That is a grammatical no-go. Also, watch out for the subject. You cannot really say I am with regret that.... The phrase almost always starts with the "dummy" subject It. It is a fixed expression, so do not try to get too creative with the grammar.

• ✗ It is with regret to tell you → ✓ It is with regret that I tell you.
• ✗ I have regret that... → ✓ It is with regret that I announce...
• ✗ With regret of the meeting → ✓ It is with regret that we cancel the meeting.

Stick to the template and you will look like a linguistic pro.

While It is with regret that is the king of formality, he has some cousins you should know. We regret to inform you is the most common alternative. It is slightly more direct because it uses the word "We." If you want to sound even more heartbroken, you can add adjectives: It is with great regret that or It is with deep regret that. If the news is just unfortunate but not tragic, you might use Much to our regret. This one is a bit more old-fashioned and sounds very British. Then there is It is regrettable that, which is a bit more detached and cold. It is like saying "It is a shame that," but for someone who has not smiled since the 1990s. In very casual contexts, we just use "Unfortunately" or "I am sorry to say." But if you want that "official seal of sadness," the original phrase is still the gold standard for formal writing.