diff --git a/rc/core/commenting.kak b/rc/core/commenting.kak
index f6d0b068..9cf9b11b 100644
--- a/rc/core/commenting.kak
+++ b/rc/core/commenting.kak
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ def comment-selection -docstring "Comment/uncomment the current selection" %{
     %sh{
         function exec_proof {
             ## Replace the '<' sign that is interpreted differently in `exec`
-            printf %s "$@" | sed -r 's,<,<lt>,g'
+            printf %s "$@" | sed 's,<,<lt>,g'
         }
 
         readonly opening=$(exec_proof "${kak_opt_comment_selection_chars%%:*}")