35 Other Ways to Say “I Regret to Inform You”

In the labyrinth of language, idioms serve as signposts, guiding us through the twists and turns of communication. Idioms, phrases whose meanings extend beyond the literal interpretation of their words, add richness and depth to our conversations.

They convey complex emotions and ideas with brevity and flair, making them essential tools in everyday communication.

Now, let’s embark on a linguistic journey exploring alternative expressions to convey the solemn message of “I regret to inform you.”

Is it Professional to Say “I Regret to Inform You”

Yes, “I regret to inform you” is a professional and formal way to communicate unfortunate news or information. This phrase is often used in situations where the speaker needs to convey something unpleasant or disappointing to another party.

It conveys a sense of empathy and understanding while also clearly and respectfully delivering the message.

List of Professional Ways to Say “I Regret to Inform You”

  1. I’m sorry to say…
  2. I’m saddened to report…
  3. It pains me to tell you…
  4. Unfortunately…
  5. I’m afraid that…
  6. I’m deeply sorry to inform you…
  7. It grieves me to say…
  8. I regretfully must inform you…
  9. Sadly…
  10. It’s with regret that I inform you…
  11. I’m sorry to share that…
  12. With a heavy heart…
  13. I wish I didn’t have to tell you…
  14. I’m sorry to convey…
  15. It’s with disappointment that I must tell you…
  16. I’m sorry to break it to you…
  17. I’m deeply saddened to tell you…
  18. It’s with regret that I have to say…
  19. I’m sorry to deliver the news that…
  20. I’m sorry to have to inform you…
  21. I’m saddened to relay…
  22. It’s with a heavy heart that I convey…
  23. I’m sorry to communicate…
  24. Unfortunately, I have to inform you that…
  25. I regret to say that…
  26. I’m sorry to let you know that…
  27. It’s with sadness that I must share…
  28. I regret to announce that…
  29. It’s with regret that I must convey…
  30. It’s with deep regret that I inform you…
  31. I’m sorry to bring you this news…
  32. It’s with sorrow that I have to tell you…
  33. I’m sorry to disclose…
  34. It’s with a heavy heart that I break the news…
  35. I’m deeply sorry to disclose this information…

I’m sorry to say…

This phrase is a polite yet direct way to convey disappointing or unfortunate news. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to soften the impact of the message.

Example: “I’m sorry to say that your application has been rejected.”

I’m saddened to report…

Expressing sadness while delivering unwelcome news adds a touch of empathy to the message. This phrase is suitable for formal communications where a degree of formality is required.

Expressing sadness

Example: “I’m saddened to report that the project deadline will need to be extended.”

It pains me to tell you…

By stating that it pains you to deliver the news, you convey personal distress and empathy for the recipient’s reaction. This phrase is often used in personal or sensitive situations.

Example: “It pains me to tell you that your beloved pet has passed away.”

Unfortunately…

“Unfortunately” is a straightforward way to introduce disappointing or unwanted information. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “Unfortunately, the event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.”

I’m afraid that…

This phrase prefaces unwelcome news with a sense of regret or apprehension. It’s commonly used in formal settings to soften the impact of the message.

Example: “I’m afraid that we won’t be able to proceed with your proposal at this time.”

I’m deeply sorry to inform you…

Expressing deep sorrow while delivering unfortunate news conveys genuine regret and empathy. This phrase is suitable for formal communications where a sincere tone is required.

Example: “I’m deeply sorry to inform you that your loved one did not survive the accident.”

It grieves me to say…

Expressing grief while delivering distressing news conveys profound sorrow and empathy. This phrase is suitable for formal communications, particularly when conveying sensitive or heartbreaking information.

Example: “It grieves me to say that our company is facing bankruptcy.”

I regretfully must inform you…

Prefacing the message with regret emphasizes the difficult nature of the news being delivered. This phrase is suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “I regretfully must inform you that your employment contract will not be renewed.”

Sadly…

The use of “sadly” at the beginning of a statement indicates regret or disappointment. It’s suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “Sadly, the product launch has been delayed due to manufacturing issues.”

It’s with regret that I inform you…

This phrase conveys a sense of personal regret or disappointment in delivering unwelcome news. It’s suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “It’s with regret that I inform you of the passing of your colleague.”

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I’m sorry to share that…

Expressing sorrow while sharing unfortunate news conveys empathy and sensitivity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “I’m sorry to share that the project funding has been denied.”

With a heavy heart…

The use of “with a heavy heart” signifies deep emotional weight or sorrow in delivering the news. This phrase is suitable for formal communications, particularly when conveying sensitive or solemn information.

Example: “With a heavy heart, I must inform you of the company’s decision to downsize.”

I wish I didn’t have to tell you…

Expressing a desire to avoid delivering bad news conveys empathy and sensitivity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “I wish I didn’t have to tell you that your application was unsuccessful.”

I’m sorry to convey…

This phrase acknowledges the role of the messenger in delivering unwelcome news. It’s suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “I’m sorry to convey that the project has been put on hold indefinitely.”

It’s with disappointment that I must tell you…

Prefacing the message with disappointment emphasizes the emotional impact of the news being delivered. It’s suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “It’s with disappointment that I must tell you that the merger has fallen through.”

I’m sorry to break it to you…

Using “break it to you” implies delivering news that may be difficult for the recipient to hear. It’s suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

break it to you

Example: “I’m sorry to break it to you, but your proposal did not meet the requirements.”

I’m deeply saddened to tell you…

Expressing deep sadness while delivering distressing news conveys genuine empathy and sorrow. This phrase is suitable for formal communications where a sincere tone is required.

Example: “I’m deeply saddened to tell you that your friend has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.”

It’s with regret that I have to say…

This phrase conveys a sense of personal regret or disappointment in delivering unwelcome news. It’s suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “It’s with regret that I have to say that the project has been canceled.”

I’m sorry to deliver the news that…

Acknowledging the role of the messenger in delivering unwelcome news conveys empathy and sensitivity. It’s suitable for formal communications, particularly when conveying sensitive or solemn information.

Example: “I’m sorry to deliver the news that your request for funding has been denied.”

I’m saddened to relay…

Expressing sadness while relaying unwelcome news conveys empathy and sensitivity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “I’m saddened to relay that the event has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.”

It’s with a heavy heart that I convey…

Prefacing the message with a heavy heart signifies deep emotional weight or sorrow in delivering the news. It’s suitable for formal communications, particularly when conveying sensitive or solemn information.

Example: “It’s with a heavy heart that I convey the news of your friend’s passing.”

I’m sorry to communicate…

Expressing regret while delivering unwelcome news conveys empathy and sensitivity. This phrase is suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “I’m sorry to communicate that your proposal did not meet the requirements.”

Unfortunately, I have to inform you that…

This phrase introduces unwelcome news with a sense of inevitability or obligation. It’s suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “Unfortunately, I have to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.”

I regret to say that…

Prefacing the message with regret emphasizes the difficult nature of the news being delivered. It’s suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “I regret to say that we are unable to honor your request for a refund.”

I’m sorry to let you know that…

This phrase expresses regret or sympathy while delivering unwelcome news. It’s suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “I’m sorry to let you know that the event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.”

It’s with sadness that I must share…

Prefacing the message with sadness indicates the emotional weight of the news being delivered. It’s suitable for formal communications, particularly when conveying sensitive or solemn information.

Example: “It’s with sadness that I must share the news of your friend’s resignation.”

I regret to announce that…

Prefacing the message with regret emphasizes the difficulty of delivering the news. It’s suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “I regret to announce that the company will be undergoing layoffs.”

It’s with regret that I must convey…

This phrase conveys a sense of personal regret or disappointment in delivering unwelcome news. It’s suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “It’s with regret that I must convey the decision to cancel the project.”

It’s with deep regret that I inform you…

Expressing deep regret while delivering distressing news conveys genuine empathy and sorrow. This phrase is suitable for formal communications where a sincere tone is required.

Example: “It’s with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of your loved one.”

I’m sorry to bring you this news…

Expressing sorrow while delivering unwelcome news conveys empathy and sensitivity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example: “I’m sorry to bring you this news, but your contract has been terminated.”

It’s with sorrow that I have to tell you…

Prefacing the message with sorrow emphasizes the emotional impact of the news being delivered. It’s suitable for formal communications, particularly when conveying sensitive or solemn information.

Example: “It’s with sorrow that I have to tell you about the failure of the project.”

I’m sorry to disclose…

Acknowledging the role of the messenger in delivering unwelcome news conveys empathy and sensitivity. This phrase is suitable for formal communications, adding a touch of sincerity and empathy.

Example: “I’m sorry to disclose that the company is facing financial difficulties.”

It’s with a heavy heart that I break the news…

Prefacing the message with a heavy heart signifies deep emotional weight or sorrow in delivering the news. It’s suitable for formal communications, particularly when conveying sensitive or solemn information.

Example: “It’s with a heavy heart that I break the news of your friend’s passing.”

I’m deeply sorry to disclose this information…

Expressing deep sorrow while delivering distressing news conveys genuine empathy and sorrow. This phrase is suitable for formal communications where a sincere tone is required.

Example: “I’m deeply sorry to disclose this information, but the project has been terminated.”

Final Thoughts

Idioms are the spice of language, adding flavor and depth to our everyday communication. They allow us to convey complex emotions and ideas with brevity and flair, making our conversations more engaging and expressive.

Understanding and using idioms effectively not only enhances our language skills but also enriches our interactions with others.

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