How to Respond to Bad News in English
When we receive bad news, we often feel at a loss for words. We don’t know what to say. Even native speakers can feel at a loss for words. Some situations are very difficult or painful.
But as human beings, it’s natural that we want to show that we care, that we’re sorry to hear the bad news.
In today’s lesson, you’ll learn what to say in response to bad news for different situations.
- Your friend has to cancel dinner.
- It’s going to rain on your birthday.
- Your colleague lost her job.
- A friend is getting a divorce.
- Your friend’s mother passed away.
Some situations are disappointing, others are shocking and full of grief.
With this lesson, you’ll learn exactly how to respond to bad news in English. You’ll also learn what you can say to show that you care, that you want to help, and that you’re sorry.
The right way to respond to bad news in English.
Lesson by Annemarie
Informal Ways to Respond to Bad News in English
These responses are best for close friends, family members and colleagues when the news is bad or disappointing but not terrible.
For example:
- canceling dinner plans
- working overtime on the weekend
- losing your cell phone
- spilling ketchup on your new shirt
- getting a cold
Common Responses:
- Oh no, that stinks!
- What a bummer.
- Oh, I’m sorry.
- That’s awful.
- Sorry, that’s rough/awful/disappointing.
- Hope you feel better. (Used when someone isn’t feeling well or is getting sick.)
Formal Ways to Respond to Bad News in English
These responses are best for work colleagues or acquaintances or when the news is truly bad.
For example:
- Losing a job
- Losing a pet
- Getting into a car accident
- Losing a big client
Common Expressions:
- I’m so sorry to hear that!
- What awful news! I’m sorry.
- I’m sorry to hear such terrible news.
- I’m very sorry – that must be awful/frustrating/scary/difficult.
- If there’s anything I can do, just let me know.
- I really don’t know what to say, I can’t believe it. I’m very sorry.
“As humans, it’s natural that we want to show that we care, that we’re sorry to hear the bad news. Use this lesson to learn how to do that in English.”
Ways to Respond to Very Sad or Shocking News in English
When friends, colleagues, family members share news of grief such as the death of someone or a divorce, these expressions are the most appropriate.
Common Expressions:
- I’m terribly sorry to hear that.
- How terrible/sad/awful – I’m so sorry.
- I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?
- I’m very sorry about your loss. (Used to express sympathy for news of a death.)
- Please accept my sincerest condolences/sympathies. (Used to express sympathy for news of a death.)
- If you need anything, I’m here for you.
- My heart hurts for you. I’m very sorry.
After you’ve watched the video, I’d love to hear from you! Review my two questions and share your responses to these questions in the comments section below.
- How do you usually help friends or loved ones in time of need?
- Are there common expressions you use to show sympathy?
As always, you can also ask questions or leave your feedback in the comments section below. Thank you for joining me for your Confident English Wednesday. I’ll see you next week! – Annemarie
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Impressive! Thanks for sharing this.
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Impressive! Thanks for sharing this.
A common expression I use to show empathy is “Everything is fine, nothing lasts forever, this will be over soon.”
When a friend or loved one needs me, what I usually do is give them a strong hug and empathic words that can help them at that moment, it may not be of much help but it is good to know that your intention is to help and more if they are people who want.
A common expression that I and all of us commonly use is a smile since in this way we express to others how happy we are about something.
“…what I usually do is give them a strong hug and empathic words that can help them at that moment, it may not be of much help but it is good to know that your intention is to help and more if they are people who want.” — 100% yes! I agree with you, Maria. These simple acts of kindness go long way.
Useful post! I really need this type of article.. this is very useful for me.
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Hi ,
This is very useful in my life. Thank you so much madam. Surely, I use this .
I noticed a typo in #171: How to Teach & Work Online — 5 Tools to Get Strated
Loss is an inescapable part of life. Whether we’ve lost someone to death, or are going through a living loss such as divorce, retirement, a life-threatening illness, a debilitating injury or a life-altering condition like dementia or addiction, support can make all the difference in helping us summon the strength, faith and courage to fight our way back into life. Do 1. Express your condolences. A simple, sincere “I’m so sorry for your loss,” a soft hand on a shoulder or a caring hug are usually perfect. 2.Be present. Stay in touch even when others begin to disappear. 3. Show… Read more »
The unfortunate truth is that at some point we will all be faced with the uncomfortable reality of losing a loved one. Our friends and family play a big part in how we deal with this loss and their love and support can make all the difference.
amazing content.
thank you for sharing
We are so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for the lovely comment!
Hi, a friend’s parent is ill. while i do check on her (on SMS) about her well being and how her father is doing, i do not have the courage to call her up and have a conversation. her replies are monosyllabic too (for obvious reasons). i am afraid i’ll hear a bad news at any moment. should i call her up or should i continue chatting with her (assuming she would be going through rough time and that she may be surrounded by relatives)? should i also go see her? please help me understand the set of words i… Read more »
One month ago I heard my best friend divorced her husband and put their house on sale. After thirty years of marriage they decided to be happy with other parteners. All friends were shocked, I was shocked as well but life goes on. I am shocked because they are a great example for me and our friends. In my opinion, I think their relationship was great just for us but not for them. When I heard the news I could only say. I’m so sorry for you, but you don’t forget that when a door closes, another whith great possibilities… Read more »
Hi Anna,
That is a shocking story! And it’s always sad when something like that happens to a close friend or family member. But it sounds like you had some encouraging thoughts to share with your friend.
I’m so happy to watch your videos and to read the material on speak confidently in English.
It’s not only useful but fruitful and very practical as well as valuable in day today life
I’m grateful to you for taking pain to make them available here
I’m in ELT for the last 38 years and working for the tribal and vernacular children to make them sure and confident in English
Thank you so much again
Hello Dr. Vyas,
Thank you for your kind comments. I’m thrilled to know my lessons are useful to you in your daily life and for the children you work with.
Dear Annemarie, It’ is always a great challange for a doktor to say bad news to his patient, moreover to the relatives in a situation when their relative has died. We ourselves need to learn through our own experience of appropriate behavior in such situations. There was no such a subject course of my university life. Nowadays a whole institute help the students to learn the appropiate commiserate, that how can we be adequate and whole with ruth. We always have to give expression to sympathy. The american habit how to realize a specific help to a fammily in deep… Read more »
Hello András, Thank you for your comments. I’m certain that giving bad news is very difficult for doctors.
In English, we talk about “palliative care.” This is the care that doctors give to patients and family members to improve quality of life and showing empathy when discussing painful, difficult topics. This is a very important topic in modern medicine.
I’m glad you found this lesson useful to you!
One question: What did you mean by “We have to egg us …?”
Hey Annemarie,
It is remarkable how correctly you wrote the accents of András’ name 🙂
Hi Anne,
This lesson was very helpful and filled another gap in my English. Thanks a lot!!
Hello Bahar – It’s great to hear from you again. And thank you! I’m thrilled this was useful to you!
It certainly is important to know what we can say in these kinds of situations.
I hope you’re well. ~ Annemarie