regret saying that

Meaning

To feel sorry, sad, or apologetic about something you spoke or expressed earlier. It is used when you realize your words were hurtful, inappropriate, or incorrect. The tone is reflective, apologetic, and sometimes embarrassed.

Examples

• I was angry at the time, but I deeply regret saying that to her.

  I was angry at the time, but I deeply regret saying that to her.

• As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted saying that.

  As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted saying that.

• Do you ever regret saying that to your boss during the meeting?

  Do you ever regret saying that to your boss during the meeting?

• She looks back on the argument and really regrets saying those mean things.

  She looks back on the argument and really regrets saying those mean things.

• I regret saying that because it caused a big misunderstanding.

  I regret saying that because it caused a big misunderstanding.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I regret to say that to him yesterday.

  ✓ I regret saying that to him yesterday.

  'Regret to say' is used for future or present announcements (e.g., 'I regret to say we are closed'). To express remorse about a past action, use 'regret' followed by a gerund ('regret saying').

• ✗ I regretted for saying that.

  ✓ I regretted saying that.

  The verb 'regret' is transitive and takes a direct object. Do not use the preposition 'for' after 'regret'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I was so rude to my sister, and now I really ___.

  💡 feel sorry about my words

  Show answer

  regret saying that

• He apologized because he ___ during the heated debate.

  💡 wished he hadn't spoken those words (past tense)

  Show answer

  regretted saying that