It is with regret that
Formal business communication expression
Use this phrase to deliver professional bad news while maintaining a respectful, high-level tone.
في 15 ثانية
- A formal way to introduce bad news or a rejection.
- Used primarily in professional writing and official announcements.
- Softens the blow of a negative statement with politeness.
المعنى
This is a very polite and professional way to deliver bad news. It is like putting on a formal suit before telling someone something they won't like to hear.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Rejecting a job applicant
It is with regret that we inform you that we have chosen another candidate.
It is with regret that we inform you that we have chosen another candidate.
Canceling a community event
It is with regret that the committee must cancel this year's summer fair.
It is with regret that the committee must cancel this year's summer fair.
Closing a long-running business
It is with regret that we announce the closing of our family shop after 50 years.
It is with regret that we announce the closing of our family shop after 50 years.
خلفية ثقافية
This phrase is a classic example of English 'hedging.' It allows the speaker to distance themselves from the bad news, making it feel like a professional necessity rather than a personal attack. It is deeply rooted in British and American corporate traditions of maintaining a polite facade even during difficult transitions.
The 'That' Rule
Always follow this phrase with `that` and a full clause (subject + verb). It makes your writing flow perfectly.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every tiny mistake, you will sound like a robot. Save it for the big, serious stuff.
في 15 ثانية
- A formal way to introduce bad news or a rejection.
- Used primarily in professional writing and official announcements.
- Softens the blow of a negative statement with politeness.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a 'cushion' for bad news. It tells the listener that something negative is coming. However, it shows that the speaker feels bad about it. It is much more professional than just saying I am sorry. It creates a respectful distance between you and the news. You are not just being mean. You are following a formal process.
How To Use It
You usually put this phrase at the very start of a sentence. It is almost always followed by the word that. After that, you explain the bad news clearly. For example: It is with regret that we must cancel the party. You do not need to add more apologies after this. The phrase does all the heavy lifting for you. It is a complete package of politeness.
When To Use It
Use this in professional emails or formal letters. It is perfect for declining a job applicant. It works well when a company must raise its prices. You might see it in a newspaper if a famous event is canceled. Use it when you want to sound serious and respectful. It shows you take the situation seriously. It is the 'gold standard' for corporate apologies.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your best friends for small things. If you say It is with regret that I cannot come to the pub, they will laugh. It sounds way too dramatic for casual life. Do not use it if the news is actually good. That would be very confusing! Also, avoid it if you are actually angry. It is meant to be soft and professional, not aggressive.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a long history of formal English etiquette. In Western business culture, directness can sometimes feel rude. We use 'softeners' to make bad news easier to swallow. It reflects a culture that values professional boundaries. It allows a manager to be 'human' while staying 'boss-like.' It has been a staple of business writing for over a century.
Common Variations
You will often hear We regret to inform you. This is almost the same but slightly more direct. Another version is It is with a heavy heart that... This is much more emotional. You might see Much to our regret in older books. In modern offices, Regrettably is a shorter, punchier alternative. All of these serve the same purpose: preparing the listener for a 'no.'
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is strictly for formal or professional contexts. Using it in casual conversation will likely be interpreted as sarcasm or extreme drama.
The 'That' Rule
Always follow this phrase with `that` and a full clause (subject + verb). It makes your writing flow perfectly.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every tiny mistake, you will sound like a robot. Save it for the big, serious stuff.
The Sarcasm Trap
Native speakers sometimes use this phrase to be funny when they aren't actually sorry. Context is everything!
أمثلة
6It is with regret that we inform you that we have chosen another candidate.
It is with regret that we inform you that we have chosen another candidate.
A standard, polite way to say 'you didn't get the job.'
It is with regret that the committee must cancel this year's summer fair.
It is with regret that the committee must cancel this year's summer fair.
Used to show the organizers are disappointed too.
It is with regret that we announce the closing of our family shop after 50 years.
It is with regret that we announce the closing of our family shop after 50 years.
Adds a touch of sincere sadness to a formal announcement.
It is with regret that I must inform you I ate the last slice of pizza.
It is with regret that I must inform you I ate the last slice of pizza.
Using such a formal phrase for pizza is funny and sarcastic.
It is with regret that I am unable to attend your wedding ceremony.
It is with regret that I am unable to attend your wedding ceremony.
Very appropriate for formal social obligations.
It is with regret that we must increase our monthly subscription fees.
It is with regret that we must increase our monthly subscription fees.
Tries to make the customer feel less angry about paying more.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct word to complete this formal rejection.
It is ___ regret that we cannot accept your proposal at this time.
The standard set phrase is always `It is with regret that...`
Complete the sentence to sound professional.
It is with regret that I ___ my resignation from the board.
In formal contexts, you `submit` a resignation rather than just 'giving' it.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Level of Apologies
Friends and family
Sorry, my bad!
General daily use
I'm sorry for the delay.
Business emails
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Official announcements
It is with regret that...
When to use 'It is with regret that'
Job Rejection
Declining a candidate
Event Cancellation
Canceling a concert
Business Closing
Shutting down a shop
Official Resignation
Leaving a high office
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةMostly, yes. It is also used for very formal social events, like weddings or galas, but it is rare in casual life.
Yes! Adding great makes it sound even more serious and sincere. It is a common way to emphasize the feeling.
It isn't 'better,' just more formal. In a business letter, It is with regret sounds more professional than I am sorry.
It can sound a bit distant. However, in a professional setting, that distance is often expected and respected.
Absolutely. It is very common in formal speeches, especially when an official has to announce bad news to the public.
Regrettably is a single word that means the same thing. It is slightly less formal but still very professional.
If you broke your friend's vase, don't use this. Just say I'm so sorry. This phrase is for 'official' news.
No, that is a common mistake. You should say It is with regret that I inform you or We regret to inform you.
Yes, it is very common in both British and American English. It is a standard part of Global Business English.
Yes, though people often use It is with deep sadness for deaths. Regret is more for decisions or cancellations.
عبارات ذات صلة
We regret to inform you
The most common business way to start a rejection letter.
Much to our regret
A slightly more old-fashioned way to say you are sorry about a result.
It is with a heavy heart
A very emotional way to deliver sad news, often used for deaths or major losses.
Please accept our apologies
A formal way to ask for forgiveness after a mistake has been made.
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