Understanding "Regret"

The verb "regret" is used to express sorrow or sadness about something that has happened or something one has done or failed to do. It often indicates a feeling of wishing that a past action or decision had been different.

There are two common uses:

"Regret" + gerund (verb + -ing) to talk about past actions one feels sorry about. For example, "I regret telling him the secret."
"Regret" + to + infinitive is used mostly in formal contexts to announce bad news, as in "We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful."

In everyday language, people use "regret" to express personal feelings of remorse or sorrow about past mistakes or missed opportunities.

Historical Figures: Regrets of Power and Fate

Celebrity Career Regrets

Ordinary Lives: Everyday Remorse

What Do You Regret?

A Questionnaire for Teenagers

Answer honestly. There are no right or wrong answers!

School

Do you regret not studying harder?

Which subject?

Do you regret quitting any activities?

What did you stop?

Do you regret not asking teachers for help?

When?

Friends & Family

Do you regret losing contact with a friend?

Who?

Do you regret saying something mean to someone?

What happened?

Do you regret not spending more time with your family?

Why?

Social Media & Phone

Do you regret posting something embarrassing online?

What was it?

Do you regret spending too much time on your phone?

How many hours per day?

Do you regret comparing yourself to others on social media?

How did it make you feel?

Health & Habits

Do you regret not doing more exercise?

What stopped you?

Do you regret eating too much junk food?

How do you feel now?

Do you regret not sleeping enough?

Why do you stay up late?

Hobbies & Skills

Do you regret not learning a new skill?

Which skill?

Do you regret stopping music lessons or sports?

Which one?

Money

Do you regret buying something you didn't need?

What did you buy?

Do you regret not saving money?

What do you want to buy?

Personal Choices

Do you regret caring too much about other people's opinions?

How did this affect you?

Do you regret not being yourself?

When?

Your Biggest Regret

What is your biggest regret right now? What do you want to do NOW so you won't regret it later?

Remember

Everyone has regrets—they help us learn
You can't change the past, but you can make better choices today
It's never too late to start something new or change your habits

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form

Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

I regret (not/learn) to play the guitar when I was younger.
We regret (inform) you that the position has been filled.
She regrets (buy) that expensive car—the payments are too high.
The company regrets (announce) that it will be closing three stores.
He regrets (quit) his job without having another one lined up.
I regret (tell) you that your flight has been delayed.
They regret (not/spend) more time with their children.
The manager regrets (say) that we cannot offer refunds.
I regret (lend) him money—he never paid me back.
We regret (advise) you that your reservation cannot be confirmed.