He was regretful vs He regrets

Both phrases are correct, but they convey different meanings. 'He was regretful' indicates that he felt regret in the past, while 'he regrets' implies that he currently feels regret. The choice between the two depends on the timeframe you want to refer to.

Last updated: March 29, 2024

He was regretful

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone felt regret in the past.

This phrase is used to describe someone who experienced regret at a specific point in the past. It refers to a feeling or emotion that was present in the past.

Examples:

After the argument, he was regretful about his harsh words.
She was regretful for not attending the event.
He was regretful that he didn't take the opportunity when it was presented to him.
The player was regretful for missing the penalty kick.
She was regretful for not listening to her friend's advice.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's really regretful but in any case...
I've been feeling regretful about something I said.
It is regretful, what happened to Varro.
But it will also be your most regretful decision.
Christ, protect these regretful sinners... and make them as your bride, in your name.
Concerning security measures taken during ground and sea transport of radioactive and nuclear materials, it is regretful that no Community legislation exists in this field.
I will, for the rest of my life, live with a regretful heart.
The team thinks it plays best if we see them as two young people in love, regretful for their choices, but laughing it off.
I feel regretful letting this chance to acquire knowledge regarding the North's nuclear weapon development pass by.
It is very regretful that this did not happen.
A somewhat regretful glint, though, after a night of jell-o shots and shrooms.
Doesn't mean I wasn't regretful about it.
I find it extremely regretful that over the past long decades Parliament has not managed to solve satisfactorily, at its own proposal, this important issue and the status of its Members.
Anyone should have the right work anywhere in the European Union and it is regretful that this right is not applied uniformly across the EU.
But... why doesn't your expression show you're regretful?
Don't feel regretful or guilty about the past, or worry about the future.
What did occur to me, however, even as a new Member, was that the original proposals have been toned down quite considerably and that he is actually deeply regretful, despite what has been achieved.
But first I want to say that the intensity and persistence with which we experience these emotional components of regret is obviously going to vary depending on the specific thing that we're feeling regretful about.
It is really regretful that the 4x4s have been exempted via the backdoor and that the manufacturers of what people refer to as SUVs (sport utility vehicles) have been given more time to conform.
Deep down in my heart I felt a bit regretful, is it that I've left for too long or that I came back here in haste?

Alternatives:

he felt regretful
he was filled with regret
he was full of regret
he was remorseful
he was repentant

He regrets

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone currently feels regret.

This phrase is used to express that someone is currently experiencing regret or remorse. It refers to a feeling or emotion that is present at the moment of speaking.