be sorry

Regret and be sorry are both used to say that someone feels sadness or disappointment about something that has happened, or about something they have done. Regret is more formal than be sorry.

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You can say that you regret something or are sorry about it.

I immediately regretted my decision.

I'm more sorry about losing Pat.

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You can also say that you regret or are sorry that something has happened.

Pisarev regretted that no real changes had occurred.

He was sorry he had agreed to stay.

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You can also say that you regret doing something.

None of the women I spoke to regretted making this change.

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You do not say that you `are sorry doing' something.

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◊ apologizing

When you are apologizing to someone for something that has happened, you can say that you are sorry about it.

I'm sorry about last night.

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You do not say that you are `sorry for' something.

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In conversation, you do not apologize by saying that you `regret' something. Regret is only used in formal letters and announcements.

London Transport regrets any inconvenience caused by these delays.

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For information on other ways of apologizing, see entry at ↑ Apologizing.

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◊ giving bad news

When you are giving someone some bad news, you can begin by saying `I'm sorry to tell you...'. In a formal letter, you say `I regret to tell you...'.

I'm sorry to tell you this, but the Board have changed their opinion of you.

I regret to inform you that your application has not been successful.

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