Expressing Regret
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- Javaid Ahmed Solangi
- Jul 03,2024
Expressing Regret
Understanding Regret
Expressing regret means feeling sadness or disappointment about something that happened or didn't happen.
Using "wish" or "if only"
You can express regret using "wish" or "if only" followed by the past perfect tense:
- I wish I had worked harder.
- If only I hadn't eaten so much.
Using Conditional Type 3
Express regret with a conditional sentence type 3, which combines past perfect with "would have" and the past participle:
- If I had worked hard, I would have passed the exam.
- If I hadn't eaten so much, I wouldn't have been sick.
Using "should have"
Express regret using "should have" followed by the past participle:
- I should have sent him an invitation.
- He should have done the work.
Using "regret"
Express regret using "regret" followed by a verb in the "-ing" form or a noun:
- He doesn't regret leaving her.
- I regret not traveling more when I was younger.
Examples of Regret:
- I wish I had studied abroad when I had the chance.
- If only I had listened to my parents' advice.
- If she had called me, I would have helped her.
- I should have apologized to her yesterday.
- I regret not spending more time with my family.