regret + gerund or infinitive

[hela]

Dear teachers,

When do you use the gerund and when do you use the infinitive after the verb "regret"?

examples:

1) I regret to tell you that you order has been cancelled. = regret about a present (or future) action ? polite statement ?

2) I regretted to have told you that... = possible?
Would you please give me an example with the perfect infinitive?

3) I regretted having told you that your order had been cancelled. = a regret about a past action ?

Thanks a lot,
Hela

[Casiopea]

The infinitive expresses an unrealized event e.g., I regret to tell you. . . I am about to tell you. I haven't yet.

The present participle expresses an event that has been realized e.g., I regret telling you. I told you before.

Perfective infinitive example? Hmm. Seems awkward: past connected to an unrealized event. If it works, let me know. I for one can't think of an example at the moment.

[hela]

so a sentence with "regret" + perfective infinitive is not English, is it.

What do you call this "tense" by the way : "HAVING WRITTEN a letter" ?

Tank you, Casiopea

[Casiopea]

Gee, I couldn't say for sure, Hela. Like I said, I can't think of an example at this late hour, which isn't to say one doesn't exist, you know?

Seems as if it's a present participle, no?

Max, having written a letter, . . .

[hela]

It's 10:15 in Tunisia, what time is it in Japan, Casiopea ?

[Casiopea]

Same. <smiles>

[hela]

Sorry I meant 15:40 in Tunisia, what about Japan ?

[Chris_fg]

Are there a rule for:

when should we use infinitive, when gerund and when verb in base form?

Ex. I regret to tell you your mother is sick
I regret arguing with my mother this morning
I must wear a uniform