Expressing Sympathy

What is sympathy? How to express sympathy? Sympathy is feeling for someone without specifically understanding what they're feeling. When we want to express our sympathy in English, we can use the following phrases

Expressions used to show sympathy
  • I’m extremely sorry to hear that …
  • I’m happy to hear that …
  • What a terrible situation
  • Congratulation on …
  • How terrible/ how awful!
  • What a pity/ what a nuisance!
  • Oh, that’s bad luck
  • Oh, what a shame!

When someone died, the expressions are:
  • You have my deepest sympathy
  • Please accept my condolence for …
  • I know how you feel, I sympathize with you

Responses
  • That’s very kind of you
  • Thank you for your attention
  • Thank you
  • Thanks

Dialogue 1
Andy : I heard that you have cancelled your plan for studying abroad.
Titin : Yes. My mother didn’t allow me to go.
Andy : What a terrible situation.
Titin : Thank you. I think I’ll continue my study here.
Andy : The fact that your mother didn’t allow you to go is surprising.
Titin : Yes. She is the one who always supports me a lot.
Andy : Maybe, she worries about you so much.
Titin : Maybe, who knows.

Dialogue 2
Ms. Rin : So, Annie. Are you going to go to Jakarta tomorrow?
Annie : Yes, Mam. The company offers me a good position.
Ms. Rin : Congratulation on your success.
Annie : Thank you, Mam. The news that came yesterday is amazing.
Ms. Rin : Don’t worry. I believe that you can handle it and good luck.
Annie : Thank you, Mam. I wish a good luck for you too.

Dialogue 3
Jon : Unbelievable. I got 50 on my math test.
Gina : Oh, what a shame. You were absent too often.
Jon : But I think I can answer all the questions.
Gina : Okay. Why don’t we see Mr. Albert and ask.
Jon : Sure, Let’s go.

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