I regret to tell vs I regret telling

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I regret to tell' is used when someone is about to deliver bad news or information, while 'I regret telling' is used when someone feels remorse for having shared something in the past.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 1373 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I regret to tell"

This phrase is used when someone is about to deliver bad news or information to someone else. It expresses a sense of reluctance or sorrow in having to convey the message.

Examples:

I regret to tell you that your application has been rejected.
I regret to tell you that the project has been canceled.

Show examples from the web [+]

I regret to tell
I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost.
I regret to tell you that over 3, 000 American lives... have been lost.
I regret to tell you that plans changed after I paged you.
I regret to tell you that the exchange has not gone as plan.
I regret to tell you, Nataliya, but Jumbo Burger will not change their mind.
~ I regret to tell you that it would be quite, quite impossible for me to bring your wife back from the dead.
I have to tell you that the report attracted a large majority in committee and that the two main political groups are in agreement, which is why I regret to tell the House that I am unable to accept individual amendments from my fellow members.
In that regard, I regret to tell you, Commissioner, that we still do not find your Commission either proactive enough or ambitious enough on the various points that I have just mentioned.
This morning I wanted to walk along the Via Alpina starting from the place du Jardin Exotique La Turbie. I regret to tell you that this is the total abandonment.
Within the close community of those that serve the family, I regret to tell you, that talk, ugly talk, unbecoming tittle-tattle is of little else.
I regret - but I have to tell you - that certain Member States do not seem to share these priorities.
I regret to have to tell you that Wade, but we have to dispense it.
I regret to have to tell Mr Gloser that the answer he has given - on behalf of the Council presidency, of course - is quite utterly unsatisfactory, no less so than the one given at the last debate.
Mrs Breyer, I regret that I have to tell you that what you have said bears little relation to a personal statement, but was more like a contribution to the debate.
So with sincerest apologies and deepest regrets, I have to tell you that my mind is made up.
On the issue itself, I very much regret to have to tell you that our group cannot endorse the joint motion for a resolution as it stands.
I regret that I cannot tell you my personal views.
When the two friends meet again, they exchange their impressions: Guglielmo is happy but regrets about having to tell Ferrando about his girlfriend's inconstancy.
It is with great regret I tell you... that he passed away on Sunday, December 22.
But the reality is, essentially, that the story with Diane, I regret to say, is only mine to tell.

Alternatives:

I am sorry to inform you
I have some bad news to share
I must tell you with regret
It pains me to say

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I regret telling"

This phrase is used when someone feels remorse for having shared something in the past. It indicates that the speaker wishes they had not disclosed the information.

Examples:

I regret telling him about my plans.
She regrets telling her secret to her friend.

Show examples from the web [+]

Okay. I regret telling you much.
But most of all, I regret telling you not to wear makeup.
and I regret telling the girls about what we did.
MY GRANDMA CALLS ME PINEAPPLES, AND I REGRET TELLING YOU THAT.
Or I could regret telling him.
You are so going to regret telling this story.
Don't make me regret telling you who I really am.
And I think you regret being honest less often than you regret telling lies.
And I think you regret being honest less often than you regret telling lies.
Lady, you are about to deeply regret not telling me you liked my order.
I would hate for you to look back, and regret not telling the people closest to you.
Sarah! Sarah, I don't want to regret not telling you everything I need to tell you.
Do I regret not telling her that?
That being said I continue telling her: the thing I regret is a critical spirit, and illogical mood with which certain people react to certain analysis, If anything, having created their own idols more or less made to measure.
Professor, I regret your choice.
I regret having my girls cut.
Personally, I regret arriving too early.
I regret leaving my parents for my boyfriend.
I regret that circumstances caused me to endanger our relationship.
I regret what happened with the settlement.

Alternatives:

I wish I hadn't said
I shouldn't have shared
I feel bad for disclosing
I rue the day I told
I'm sorry I mentioned

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

I regret to tell vs I regret telling

"I regret to tell"

"I regret telling"

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text