Which is Right: Regretting Not Attending or Not Attending?

When it comes to the correct use of gerunds and infinitives with the verb 'regret,' the choice can sometimes be confusing. However, understanding the nuances of these verb forms can help clarify which is the appropriate choice in any given context.

Understanding Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds and infinitives are both derived from verbs but function as nouns in a sentence. While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes:

Gerunds are nouns formed from verbs by adding -ing, such as 'running' or 'attending.' They can act as the subject or object of a sentence and often refer to an action that has already occurred or is ongoing.

Infinitives, on the other hand, are formed with 'to' followed by the base form of a verb, such as 'to run' or 'to attend.' They can also act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, but their primary use involves future actions or actions that haven't happened yet.

The Correct Use of 'Regret'

The verb 'regret' is particularly interesting in its usage with gerunds and infinitives. When you look back on an action with remorse, the action is usually in the past, and so the gerund (ing form) is used to express this action. Let's break down the examples and explanations:

Examples with Gerunds (ing forms)

You’ll regret missing the lecture for the rest of your life. I regret your absence. She regretted arriving so late. We regretted not having talked to him sooner. He regrets his lack of height. She had often regretted her son’s excessive ambition. You will regret not attending the lecture.

Examples with Infinitives (to base form of the verb)

The infinitive form is used when the action is something that might have caused grief or sorrow, as in the case of announcing bad news:

Example: We regret to tell you that your proposal has not been accepted.

Why the Gerund is Preferred

In the context of regrets, the gerund is more commonly used because it refers to actions that are completed or in the past. When you say 'You will regret not attending the lecture,' you are talking about future remorse for a past action. The gerund form ('attending') is used to describe the action that caused the regret. The infinitive form would be less appropriate because it implies a future action that has not yet happened.

Compare these two sentences:

Gerund: You will regret not attending the lecture.

Infinitive: You will regret to not attend the lecture.

The first sentence flows more naturally and is more in line with the traditional use of the verb 'regret.' The second sentence is awkward and less precise.

Clarifying the Usage

When using 'regret' to express future remorse, use the gerund. For example:

You will regret missing the lecture for the rest of your life.

On the other hand, when using 'regret' to announce bad news, use the infinitive:

We regret to tell you that your proposal has not been accepted.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct choice of gerund or infinitive with the verb 'regret' depends on the context and the nature of the action being referred to. When expressing future remorse for a past action, use the gerund. When announcing bad news, use the infinitive. Understanding these nuances can help you use the verb 'regret' more effectively in your writing and speaking.