In English, the structures “regret to V” and “regret + V-ing” are quite common but can also be confusing. This is because when regret is followed by different verb forms, the meaning changes significantly.
In this article, IDP will help you clearly understand the meaning of each structure, explore practical examples, and learn how to apply them accurately in IELTS Speaking and Writing. The article will also help you avoid common mistakes that many learners make when using this verb.
1. What Does “Regret” Mean in English?
Regret can function as both a verb and a noun in English. It describes a feeling of sadness, remorse, or disappointment about something that has happened or a decision that has been made.
Depending on the context, regret may refer to past actions or be used when expressing sorrow about announcing something unpleasant.
As a noun
When used as a noun, regret refers to the feeling of sorrow or remorse about something in the past.
Example:
It is with great regret that we announce the death of our father.
As a verb
As a verb, regret means to feel sorry about an action or event, or to express sadness when delivering bad news.
Example:
We regret to inform you that the meeting has been cancelled.
2. Regret + to V or V-ing? The Structures of “Regret”
In English, regret can be followed by either to-infinitive or V-ing (gerund). However, the meanings and contexts of these two structures are different.
Understanding the difference will help you use regret correctly in both daily communication and the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests.
2.1 Structure: Regret + V-ing
This structure is used to express regret about something that already happened in the past. The speaker feels sorry about something they did (or did not do).
Structure
S + regret + (not) + V-ing + something
Examples
I regret spending so much money on unnecessary things.
He regrets not studying harder for the IELTS exam.
2.2 Structure: Regret + to V
This structure is usually used in formal situations, especially when announcing unpleasant news.
It expresses that the speaker feels sorry about having to say or inform something.
Structure
S + regret + to V + something
Common verbs used after regret:
say
tell
inform
announce
Examples
We regret to inform you that your application has been rejected.
We regret to inform you that your flight has been cancelled.
2.3 Structure: Regret + that + Clause
Besides the two main structures above, you may also encounter regret + that + clause in academic English or formal writing.
This structure is used to express regret about a situation or event.
Structure
S + regret + that + clause
Examples
I regret that I didn’t spend more time with my family.
We regret that the event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
In many cases, this structure conveys a similar meaning to regret + V-ing, but using a that-clause often sounds clearer and more formal.
3. Quick Comparison: Regret + V-ing vs Regret + to V
Although both structures use the verb regret, they convey different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Structure | Meaning | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Regret + V-ing | Regret about a past action | Common in everyday communication | I regret spending so much money. |
Regret + to V | Sorry to announce bad news | Formal announcements, emails | We regret to inform you that your application was rejected. |
Regret + that + clause | Express regret about a situation | Formal writing or statements | I regret that I didn’t prepare better for the exam. |
4. Differences Between Regret, Remember, and Forget
In English, regret, remember, and forget can all be followed by to V or V-ing. However, the meaning changes depending on the verb form used.
Understanding these differences helps you avoid grammatical mistakes, especially in IELTS Speaking and Writing.
4.1 General Rule: Time Difference
To avoid confusion, remember this key principle related to time reference:
Verb + to V Usually refers to future actions or things that need to be done.
Verb + V-ing Usually refers to past actions that already happened.
4.2 Detailed Comparison
Regret Structures
Structure | Meaning | Example |
Regret + V-ing | Regret about something done in the past | I regret saying those words. |
Regret + to V | Sorry to announce something unpleasant | We regret to inform you that the flight is cancelled. |
Remember Structures
Structure | Meaning | Example |
Remember + V-ing | Recall a past memory | I remember locking the door. |
Remember + to V | Remember to perform a task | Please remember to lock the door. |
Forget Structures
Structure | Meaning | Example |
Forget + V-ing | Forget a past experience | I will never forget visiting Paris. |
Forget + to V | Forget to do something | He forgot to send the email. |
5. Which Prepositions Go with “Regret”?
Although regret is often used with verb forms (to V or V-ing), it can also appear with prepositions when used as a noun or when referring to a specific object.
Below are common prepositions used with regret.
Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Regret about + N/V-ing | Regret about an action or event | She expressed regret about her decision to quit the job. |
Regret for + N/V-ing | Formal apology or regret | She expressed deep regret for her lack of preparation. |
Regret over + N | Regret about an undesirable result | She expressed regret over the loss of the documents. |
Regret at + N/V-ing | Regret about a specific situation | The company showed regret at causing inconvenience to customers. |
6. Synonyms of “Regret” in English
To avoid repetition and improve your Lexical Resource score in IELTS, you can use similar expressions to express regret or remorse.
Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Be sorry for | feel sorry about something | I’m sorry for saying those harsh words. |
Express regret | formally express regret | The company expressed regret for the inconvenience. |
Feel guilty about | feel guilt | I feel guilty about forgetting her birthday. |
Feel remorse for | deep regret | He felt deep remorse for his mistake. |
Lament | express sorrow (formal) | She lamented the loss of her old job. |
Repent | regret wrongdoing | He repented his past behaviour. |
7. Using “Regret” in IELTS
Understanding these structures not only improves grammatical accuracy but also makes your answers sound more natural and meaningful.
Using regret appropriately can also improve your Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
IELTS Speaking
In IELTS Speaking, regret + V-ing often appears when discussing past decisions, missed opportunities, or life experiences.
Example:
Question: Do you have any regrets about your past decisions?
Answer:
Yes, I do. I regret not spending more time learning English when I was younger. If I had practised more, I might feel more confident communicating with international colleagues today.
IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing, regret may be used to describe regret about decisions, policies, or actions.
Example:
Many people regret choosing a career path without considering their true interests.
This sentence is suitable for Writing Task 2 discussions about career choices or personal decisions.
8. Practice Exercises: Regret + to V or V-ing
Exercise 1
Fill in the correct form of the verb.
I regret ______ (inform) you that your application has been rejected.
Looking back at my teenage years, I regret ______ (not learn) a second language.
Answers
to inform
not learning
Exercise 2
Rewrite the sentences using regret + to V or regret + V-ing.
I am sorry that I told him the secret. → I regret telling him the secret.
We are sorry to say that the meeting is cancelled. → We regret to say that the meeting is cancelled.
Master “Regret to V” and “Regret V-ing”
By now, you should clearly understand the meaning of regret, how to distinguish between the main structures, and how to apply them in communication and IELTS tasks.
Understanding these differences will help you use regret more naturally and accurately, especially in IELTS Speaking and Writing.
For example:
Regret doing something is used when you feel sorry about something that already happened.
Regret to do something is used when you feel sorry about having to announce or say something unpleasant.
Although the difference may seem small, it can significantly affect the accuracy and clarity of your sentence.
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