Expressing Disappointment in English

We try our best and hope that everyone gets along well. Unfortunately, thats not always the case and we need to express disappointment. We might be disappointed with other people, or with ourselves. At other times, we might want to express our view that something we expected didnt go as planned. For these situations, its important to keep in mind the use of register  when expressing our disappointment. In other words, who are we speaking to, what is the relationship, and how should you communicate with them? The phrases we use will be different depending on whether we are speaking with friends or at work. Use these phrases to express your disappointment in the appropriate way. Expressing Disappointment and Frustration with Yourself I wish I Past Simple Present Disappointments The use of I wish with the past simple to express something you are disappointed with at the present time. This is similar to the use of the unreal conditional  to express something imaginary. I wish I had a better job.I wish I had more time for my family.ï » ¿I wish I spoke Italian. I wish I Past Perfect Regrets about the Past The use of I wish with the past perfect  is used to express regret over something that happened in the past. This is similar to the use of the unreal past conditional to express a different result in the past. I wish I had been hired for that job.I wish I had worked harder in school.I wish I had saved more money when I was young. If only I Past Simple Present Disappointments This form is used to express things we arent happy about at the present. It is similar to the form above. If only I played soccer well.If only I understood math.If only I had a faster car. If only I Past Perfect Regrets about the Past This form is used to express things regret about past experiences. It is similar to wish past perfect. If only I had moved to this city earlier.If only I had asked her to marry me.If only I had known about that last year! These forms can also be used to express disappointment with others: I wish she had paid better attention in class.I wish they asked me more questions. Im sure I could be of more help.If only they worked with us! We would give them a better deal than Smith and Co.If only Peter had hired Tom. He was much better qualified for the job. Expressing Disappointment with Others Why didnt S Verb? Why didnt you tell me that?!Why didnt he inform me of the situation?Why didnt they finish on time? How am/was I supposed to Verb How am I supposed to complete the project?How was I supposed to know that?!How am I supposed to work with this? Formal Expressions For Disappointment What a shame!Thats too bad.Thats so disappointing!I was so looking forward to ...I / We had high hopes for ...What we had been led to expect was ... Informal Expressions For Disappointment What a bummer!What a let-down!That stinks. Role Play Exercise: Between Friends Friend 1: Im not happy.Friend 2: Whats wrong?Friend 1: Oh, I didnt get that job.Friend 2: What a bummer!Friend 1: Yeah, I wish I had prepared better for the interview.Friend 2: Maybe you were just nervous.Friend 1: If I had only thought about how my experience applied to the position.Friend 2: That stinks. Well, Im sure youll do better next time.Friend 1: I hope so. Im sick of this job.Friend 2: Every job has its ups and downs.Friend 1: Isnt that the truth!Friend 2: Lets have a beer.Friend 1: Thats something that never disappoints.Friend 2: Youre right about that. Role Play Exercise: At the Office Colleague 1: Excuse me, Peter. Could I talk to you for a moment?Colleague 2: Sure, what can I do for you?Colleague 1: Why didnt you inform me of the situation with Andrew Ltd.?Colleague 2: Im sorry about that. I thought I had the situation under control.Colleague 1: You know I had high hopes for this account.Colleague 2: Yes, I know and I apologize that it didnt work out.  Colleague 1: Yes, well, how were you supposed to know they would try to change everything in the contract.Colleague 2: If only they had given us more time to come up with a different solution.Colleague 1: OK. Well, please make sure to keep me in the loop on future situations like this.Colleague 2: Certainly, Ill be more proactive next time this happens.  Colleague 1: Thank you, Peter.Colleague 2: Of course.