Expressing Regret

2nd Year Bac · Unit 10 · Functions

Learn to talk about mistakes and missed chances — the phrases that show you wish something had gone differently.

What this function covers

Regret is the feeling of wishing you had done something differently. English has several natural expressions for this — and this topic connects closely to brain drain, since many people who emigrate later feel regret about decisions they made.

عن ماذا تتحدث هذه الوظيفة؟
الندم هو الشعور بتمني لو أن الأمور سارت بشكل مختلف. تحتوي اللغة الإنجليزية على عدة تعابير طبيعية لهذا الغرض — ويرتبط هذا الموضوع ارتباطًا وثيقًا بنزيف الأدمغة، إذ يشعر كثير ممن هاجروا لاحقًا بالندم على بعض القرارات التي اتخذوها.

Key expressions

Ways to express regret

I regret + -ingI should have + past participleI shouldn’t have + past participleIf only + past perfectWhat a pity + past perfectI wish + past perfect

Example

I regret leaving my job so suddenly.
I should have thought more carefully before deciding to emigrate.
If only I had stayed closer to my family.

💡 Good to know

“I regret” is followed by the -ing form, not “to”: I regret leaving (not “I regret to leave”).

Should have vs. shouldn't have

Should have (regret NOT doing something)

I should have stayed in touch with my old colleagues.

Regret about something you didn’t do.

Shouldn't have (regret DOING something)

I shouldn’t have left without saying goodbye.

Regret about something you did do.

See it in a monologue

Here’s how these expressions sound in a natural, connected passage — someone reflecting on their decision to emigrate.

The monologue

After spending two months abroad, I began to feel homesick. It was too cold, and I didn’t enjoy the job. If only I had stayed in my country! I regret leaving so quickly — I should have thought more carefully before deciding to go. I now miss my family, my city, and my old life. What a pity I hadn’t considered all of this before I left.

What's happening

Sets the scene.

Uses “if only” for the core regret.

“regret + -ing” and “should have” add detail.

“What a pity” closes with emotion.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Watch out

❌ I regret to leave my job. → ✅ I regret leaving my job. (regret + -ing)

❌ I should have think more carefully. → ✅ I should have thought more carefully. (should have + past participle)

❌ If only I stayed in my country! → ✅ If only I had stayed in my country! (past perfect, not past simple)

✏️

Your turn — choose the correct expression

1. I regret ___ my job so suddenly.
2. Choose the correct sentence.
3. ___ I had stayed closer to my family!
4. Which shows regret about something you DID do?
5. Which shows regret about something you DIDN’T do?
6. Choose the correct sentence.
7. “What a pity” is followed by ___.
8. Choose the correct sentence.
9. This topic often connects to which theme?
10. Choose the correct sentence.
11. “I regret” is followed by which verb form?
12. Which expression shows the strongest emotional regret?

✏️ Your turn ✍️

Rewrite each sentence to express regret, using the phrase given in brackets:

We didn’t meet them last night. (I regret)
I wasn’t paying attention during the lesson. (I should have)
She sold her old car; she used to like it a lot. (I shouldn’t have — imagine you are her)
I didn’t visit my grandparents. Now it’s too late. (If only)
He left the party before you arrived. (What a pity)