Expressing Regret About Past Events

Learn how to express regret about past actions and decisions

Video Lesson

Tip: We use specific grammatical structures to express regret about past actions or decisions.

Grammar Structures for Expressing Regret

1. "If only" + past perfect

If only + subject + had + past participle

Example: "If only I had stayed in my country."

2. "should have" + past participle

Subject + should have + past participle

Example: "I should have looked for a better job there."

3. "If" + past perfect + "would" + verb

If + subject + had + past participle, subject + would + base verb

Example: "If I had looked for a better job in Morocco, I would be happy now."

More Examples

Example 1

Situation: I missed the bus because I got up late.

Regret: If only I had gotten up early. / I should have gotten uo early.

Example 2

Situation: I can't buy a new phone because I didn't save money.

Regret: If I had saved money, I would be able to buy a new phone now.

Practice: Expressing Regret

Instructions: Complete each situation to express regret using correct grammatical structures.

1. I couldn't enter an engineering school because I didn't study hard in high school. I

(study) hard in high school.

2. I couldn't study abroad since I didn't receive a scholarship. If only I (receive) a scholarship to study abroad.

3. I didn't get the job as I didn't apply for it on time. I (apply) for the job before the deadline.

4. I ate too much yesterday. That's why I feel sick. I (not eat) too much.

5. I got up late. Therefore, I missed the train. If only (not get up) late.