Expressing regret
should have, regret doing, it's time.
The rules
- Regret about a past inaction: "should have backed up".
- "Regret + -ing" = be sorry about a past action: "regrets turning down".
- "Regret + to + verb" introduces bad news politely, formal letters.
- "It's time + past form" for something that should happen now: "It's time we went".
- Regretting a past action: "shouldn't have + past participle".
- Past regret with "if only" takes the past perfect: "hadn't sold".
Examples
- I should have backed up my files, now they're gone.
- He regrets turning down the job offer.
- We are about to give you bad news.
- It's time we went home, it's nearly midnight.
- I shouldn't have said that.
- If only I hadn't sold my bike last year.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.I _____ have backed up my files, now they're gone.
2.He regrets _____ the job offer.
3.What does "We regret to inform you…" mean?
4.It's time we _____ home, it's nearly midnight.
5.Which sentence is correct?