The expression “I regret to inform you” is a polite and formal way to present bad news. It can be used properly in many different contexts: professional letters, college admission emails, doctor correspondence, and more.
However, different situations can call for different variations of this phrase to be used. In this post, we’ll give you 13 synonyms for the saying “I regret to inform you” that you can use in different contexts. We’ll also breakdown how to properly use this expression in a sentence.
What Does “I Regret To Inform You” Mean?
The phrase “I regret to inform you” is a formal expression used to convey unfortunate or distressing news to someone. It is commonly used in any of the following situations.
- Sending a rejection notice.
- Communicating bad news.
- Presenting an unfortunate outcome.
The phrase begins with “I regret,” indicating a sense of sorrow or disappointment on the part of the speaker. “To inform you” signifies the purpose of the communication – to convey information, although in this case, it’s regrettable information. In other words, this saying is used to politely express regret.
13 Synonyms For “I Regret To Inform You”
Here are 13 synonyms for the expression “I regret to inform you”.
- I am sorry to inform you. This phrase combines regret with an apology, expressing sympathy for the recipient.
- Unfortunately, I must inform you. It straightforwardly conveys the unfortunate news without elaborate phrasing.
- It is with regret that I inform you. This phrase emphasizes the speaker’s regret as the primary sentiment.
- I must express my regrets in informing you. It highlights the speaker’s personal regret and responsibility in delivering the news.
- I wish it were different, but I have to inform you. This phrase conveys a sense of disappointment and inevitability.
- I am saddened to tell you. It expresses the speaker’s sadness while delivering the news.
- I’m afraid I have to let you know. This phrase adds a touch of empathy, expressing regret while delivering necessary information.
- It pains me to say this, but. It conveys emotional distress on the part of the speaker while introducing the difficult message.
- I have the unfortunate duty of informing you. It emphasizes the speaker’s obligation to deliver the news despite its unwelcome nature.
- Regrettably, I need to inform you. This adverb softens the impact of the news, indicating the speaker’s regret.
- I’m disheartened to inform you that. It conveys the speaker’s disappointment and sorrow regarding the news.
- I find it unfortunate to tell you that. This phrase expresses the speaker’s personal perspective on the unfortunate situation.
- I bear the unfortunate news that. It conveys a sense of carrying a burden while delivering the regrettable information.
Just like we saw in our breakdown of the phrase “much appreciated“, proper use of synonyms can significantly enhance your overall writing quality.
How Do You Use “I Regret To Inform You” In A Sentence?
Below are 5 sentence examples that demonstrate how to properly use the expression “I regret to inform you” in a sentence.
- Dear Applicant, I regret to inform you that after careful consideration, we have chosen to pursue other candidates for the position you applied for.
- I regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, the event scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled.
- I regret to inform you that your request for an extension has been denied, as we cannot accommodate any further delays.
- Dear Customer, I regret to inform you that the item you ordered is currently out of stock, and we are unable to fulfill your request at this time.
- I regret to inform you that your application for the loan has been declined based on the evaluation of your credit history.
What Contexts Is “I Regret To Inform You” Used?
The saying “I regret to inform you” can be used in many different formal contexts. Here are some of the most popular contexts in which “I regret to inform you” is used.
- Professional Correspondence. It is often used in formal letters, emails, or official communications to reject job applications.
- Colleges. Teachers, administrators, or admissions officers might use this phrase to inform students or parents about decisions regarding applications.
- Legal Communication. Lawyers use this phrase in formal letters to communicate legal decisions.
- Customer Service. Customer service representatives might use this phrase to inform customers about issues.
- Healthcare. Healthcare professionals may use this phrase to communicate sensitive or unfortunate medical diagnoses.
Popularity Analysis
Google’s own Ngram data shows that the phrase “I regret to inform you” started being used in formal writing back in the 1940s. However, it gained significant popularity back in 2001 thanks to the rise in professional emails to deliver bad news.
But just like we saw in our analysis of the phrase “thanks for cooperating“, writers need to understand how to use formal sayings properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, “I regret to inform you” is considered formal and is commonly used in professional and official communication to convey disappointing or unfortunate news politely.
Yes, “I regret to inform you” is typically used to convey bad news or disappointing information, indicating regret or sorrow on the part of the speaker.
The Bottom Line
By now, you should be an expert on the saying “I regret to inform you” & how it should be used. There are many different ways to express your deepest apologies & bad information to someone. Use this list of synonyms to add variety to your writing and use the correct vocabulary for your specific situation. And if you need help with similar grammar rules like this, use our Grammar reviewing tool to make things easy for you!
