How to express condolences in English? [Expressing condolences] See enough examples of practical English sentences at a time!

Article source: Takeaway English official website

In the post-pandemic era, face-to-face communication has decreased, emails and instant messaging have become more and more personal, and the way people express concern or concern has changed, and written communication tends to appear more authentic. If the people around you are suffering from physical illness or the loss of relatives and friends, how should you express your condolences and support?

Sending condolence messages in English is not easy, especially when English is not a native language and involves deep emotions, it is often difficult to write, try not to say things that make the person more sad. Following the introduction of various English expressions for expressing grief last time, this time I will teach you how to express your concern and condolences in English in the face of loss in different situations, such as the loss of parents, spouses, siblings, children, and pets. Whether writing to family, friends and colleagues, you can choose the right sentence according to your needs and add a personal message to express your sympathy and help.

How to use the KISS principle [express condolences]?

To express condolences, you can immediately pick up the phone or send text messages, emails, private messages, etc., but if the person concerned has not announced the news on social platforms, it is not appropriate to leave a message on social media directly to express condolences. Private messages can be used to express more personal condolences. On the other hand, a handwritten card or letter remains traditionally the most meaningful and warm-hearted. You don't need to write a whole letter (of course, you can), but don't make it seem like a daunting task, keep it simple and to the point is best, use the "KISS principle" (Keep It Simple) and Sensitive)” expressed condolences:

Use the KISS principle (Keep It Simple and Sensitive)

1. Brief condolences and empathy "I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sorry for your loss." Although this sentence is cliché, it is also an easy way to express empathy and let him know you care. “This must be so hard for you. This must be so hard for you.” Expressing empathy can be very comforting and can help a bereaved person feel less alone.

2. Share interesting memories of the deceased, unique characteristics, and say you will miss them too <br class="smart">If you know the deceased, mention the deceased's name to show respect for the person's mourning, and you can share how you liked the death. part of the author or a fond memory "He/she was a wonderful person. He/she was a wonderful person.", "I will miss him/her. I will miss him/her."; if you don't know The deceased, you can express regret that you didn't get to know each other, or you can say "When you're ready I'd like to get together to learn more about what the person who died was like. When you're ready I'd like to get together to learn more about what the person who died was like. More about the deceased person.” Actively listening to the voice of the person concerned can not only make the person concerned feel cared for, but also relieve some of the pressure of direct interaction.

Express 【Mourning for the sudden loss】 English sentence

• I am so sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
  I'm sorry to hear about this unexpected accident, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
• My heart goes out to you after this sudden loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
• I was so saddened to hear this shocking news. My heart goes out to you at this time of grief.
  I am saddened to hear this shocking news. My heart goes out to you at this sad time.
• I'm stunned by this news. I'm so sorry for your loss.
  This is shocking news and I am sorry to hear your sad news.

[Cannot express condolences in words] English sentence

• Words can't describe how sorry I am at this loss. You're in my prayers.
  Words cannot describe how saddened I am at your sad news, I pray for you.
• Words fall short of expressing my sadness/sorrow for your loss.
  Words are not enough to express how sad/sad I feel for your loss.
• Sorry I am at a loss for words to express my sadness.
  Sorry, I am speechless to express my sadness.
• We are sorry beyond words for your loss.
  We deeply regret your loss.

Express 【personal condolences】 English sentence

• I'm deeply/really sorry to hear of your loss. With heartfelt condolences.
  I am deeply sorry to hear of your sad news and offer my heartfelt condolences.
• Please accept my deepest sympathies on your profound loss
  Please accept my deepest condolences for your sad news
• May you find peace and comfort in the memories of [Name] that you cherish in your heart.
  May you find peace and comfort in [NAME]'s memories.
• My sincere condolences. May you find comfort and the strength to cope.
  My deepest condolences, may you find comfort and strength to cope.

to express [in mourning for someone] in English

• The people we love never go away for they live in our hearts. His/her memory will reside forever in my/our heart(s).
  Those we love never leave because they live in our hearts. Memories related to him/her will always remain in my/our hearts.
• In memory of an amazing one-of-a-kind man/woman a person we were blessed to know and love.
  Remembering an amazing and unique man/woman. A man we are fortunate enough to know and love.
• [name] will never be forgotten. We will treasure our memories of him/her.
  [NAME] will never be forgotten. We will treasure his/her memories.
• I'll always remember the joy that [name] brought into our lives. We mourn his/her loss along with you.
  I will always remember the joy [name] brought us. We mourn his/her passing with you.

Expressing [condolences and help] English sentence

• I just want you to know that I am available any time. I can't imagine what you must be going through right now and I would love to help in any way that I can. Just say the word.
  I just want you to know that I am available anytime. I can't imagine what you have to go through right now and I'd love to help in any way I can, just a word.
• Please holler if you need anything. I am available 24/7 to watch the kids to run errands to help around the house to just be a silent presence if that's what's you need.
  Call me if you need it, and I can help you 24/7 with babysitting, running errands, cleaning the house, or just quiet company if you need it.
• I know there's not a lot I could say right now but I would like to offer my service if you ever need anything I am just a text or phone call away.
  I know there's not much I can say right now, but if you need anything I'm willing to help, just text or call me.
• Whether you need a shoulder to lean on or a friend to cry with or even to get angry and yell I am here for you.
  Whether you need a shoulder to lean on, a friend to cry with, or even to get angry or yell, I'm there.

express condolences to 【colleague】

If the person involved is a co-worker, client, or business partner, your tone may be more conservative than comforting relatives and friends. Sending condolence messages to colleagues at the right time can foster relationships and a friendly workplace environment.

• On behalf of our entire team please accept our deepest sympathies.
  On behalf of the entire team, please accept our deepest condolences.
• Our condolences for the loss of your mother/father/partner. With deepest sympathy from your coworkers.
  Our condolences on the passing of your mother/father/partner. My deepest condolences to my colleagues.
• We are wishing you and your family courage and peace during this time of mourning.
  We wish you and your family courage and peace during this tragic time.

Express 【Mourning the loss of your spouse】 English sentence

• Your true love story is beautiful to all who know you. I know your love will always continue even though you are parted. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.
  Anyone who knows you has heard of your beautiful true love story, and I know your love will last, even if you say goodbye. I put you in my heart and care about you very much.
• I'm so heartbroken and shocked to hear about the loss of your spouse/partner. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I'd love to know if there's anything I can do to help.
  I am very sad and shocked to hear that you have lost your spouse/partner. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I'd love to know if there's anything I can do to help.
• I'm sorry to learn of the passing of your dear husband/wife/partner. Wishing you courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart forever.
  I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband/wife/partner. May you face the days ahead bravely and the memories of love will always remain in your heart.

Express 【Mourning the loss of your parents】 English sentence

• Your father/mother was such an incredible person. No one can ever replace him/her. Extending my deepest sympathies for the loss of your father/mother.
  Your father/mother is such an amazing person that no one can replace him/her. My deepest condolences to your father/mother.
• I never met your father/mother but I can tell how wonderful s/he must have been just by knowing you. Take comfort in your memories as you grieve.
  I've never met your father/mother, but knowing you I know how awesome he/she must be. Hope you find comfort in the memories.
• No matter how old we are it's never easy to lose a parent. I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May the soul of your father/mother rest in peace.
  No matter how old we are, losing a parent is hard. My deepest condolences to you and your family, may your father/mother rest in peace.

Express 【Mourning for the loss of a brother or sister】 English sentence

• I'm so glad I had a chance to know your sister/brother. She/he was a special person who will be so sorely missed.
  I am honored to have the opportunity to meet your sister/brother. She/he was a special person and will be very much missed.
• I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I wish I had been able to meet your sister/brother. I know from your stories how special s/he was. Please accept my condolences.
  I am deeply sorry to hear your unfortunate news. I wish I had met your sister/brother. I know from your story how special she/he is. Please accept my condolences.
• Your sister/brother was such an intelligent lovely soul. I'll never forget her/him. I know you have a lot of great childhood memories with her/him. I hope they bring a smile during this hard time.
  Your sister/brother is such a smart and lovely person. I will never forget her/him. I know you and her/him have many fond childhood memories. I hope these memories will bring you some warm comfort when you are sad.

Express 【Mourning the loss of a child】 English sentence

• I'm so saddened to hear about your child's death. I'd love to drop by your house or do something else to help you out.
  I am saddened to hear of your child's death. I'd love to stop by your house or do something to help you.
• There are no words for such an unimaginable loss. My heart aches for you and your family. You're in my thoughts.
  The loss of a child is indescribable, I am so sorry for you and your family, and I care for you from the bottom of my heart.
• It has been such a joy in my life to know your beautiful child. S/he has been a light in the world and still is. Please accept my condolences and let me know if you need anything.
  Meeting your precious child is the joy of my life. He/she has always been a light in the world and still is. Please accept my condolences and let me know if you need anything.

Express 【Mourning the loss of a pet】 English sentence

• Our pets are some of our very best friends. Thinking of you as you grieve.
  Our pets are our best friends. Take my care when you are sad.
• I know your sweet pet was a member of your family and it hurts so much to lose her/him. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
  I know your lovely pet is your family and sad to lose it. I care about you from the bottom of my heart and pray for you.
• You gave your pet such a wonderful life full of love and comfort. I know he/she loved you for it. All my best as you grieve this loss.
  You give your pet such a wonderful life, full of love and comfort. I know it loves you. I wish you all the best.

mourning [items to avoid] English sentence

Even with the best intentions, we sometimes make the mistake of expressing our condolences, please try to avoid the following situations:

Don't compare your feelings to theirs

"I know how you are feeling." Although it may sound like an expression of empathy, it often has the opposite effect. Everyone experiences loss and grief differently, and a better way to express your empathy might be: "If you want to talk about how you are feeling know that I am here for you. Feel, you know I'm there."

Don't be overly optimistic

"Don't worry you'll feel better soon. Don't worry, you'll feel better soon." While you may want to help the person look ahead, it's important to give the grieving person time and space to experience him feeling. Don't force him to get over it right away.

Don't say what you would do if your partner/parent/friend died

Focus on what you can do to help them instead of thinking on your own terms. "I don't know what I would do if my …. died. I don't know what I would have done." While this statement may be absolutely true to you, it is no consolation parties. In fact, it may leave those involved even more isolated in their grief. Instead, let the other person know you'll be there for him.

Don't "At least..."

"At least he didn't suffer. At least he didn't suffer." Even so, the deceased is gone and cannot be reborn; "At least you can have another child." Every child is unique; "At least you're still young and can marry again." Likewise, partners are unique to the parties; "At least she's in a better place. She's in a better place." Unless you're sure that both the person involved and the deceased believe in reincarnation or the afterlife, this statement can be offensive. Although you try to express comfort through the At least sentence, when faced with death, sometimes you can't force yourself to face it in a positive way. You can properly express empathy and understand that the person involved may feel pain and condolences.

The above are sentences that can be used to express condolences and concerns when faced with different situations. Next time when your relatives, friends or business partners experience sadness, you will not be overwhelmed and can express your concerns appropriately!

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After reading the "English condolences" statement, you can also read the previous article on the expression of "sadness in English"~
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