Expressing sympathy

In this lesson we will learn some phrases that we can use to express 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 mother is ill.

I’m sorry to hear that your car has been stolen.

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve failed your test.

I’m sorry to hear that you had an accident.

I’m sorry to hear that you have broken up with James.

What a pity! / What a shame!        

The expressions What a pity! and What a shame! are used to say that something is too bad.

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 she didn’t pass the test.

It’s a shame that we lost the championship.

It’s shame that she didn’t recognize you.

It’s a shame that you can’t help me.

It’s a shame that she is not here today.

It’s a shame that you have to work three jobs in a day.

It’s a shame that she doesn’t know how to behave.