Expressing sympathy in English

Phrases you can use to express your sympathy

The most common way to show that you are sad for someone is to use the phrase I’m sorry to hear that…

• I’m sorry to hear that you’ve lost your job.
• I’m sorry to hear that you have had an accident.
• I’m sorry to hear that you mother is ill.
• I’m sorry to hear that you have been robbed.
• I’m sorry to hear that your car has been stolen.
• I’m sorry to hear that you’ve failed your exams.

What a pity!/ What a shame!

The expressions What a pity! And What a shame! are used to say that something is too bad. Read the piece of conversation given below.

Maduri: Do you know? Maya works three jobs in a day.

Kavya: Really? Why is it?

Maduri: Ever since her husband’s death, she’s the only bread winner of her family.

Kavya: What a shame!

It’s a shame…

This phrase is used to express your disappointment at something bad that has happened.

• It’s a shame that you couldn’t get the job.
• It’s a shame that we couldn’t get the contract.
• It’s a shame that she didn’t pass the test.
• It’s shame that she didn’t recognize you.
• It’s a shame that we lost the championship.