Expressing sympathy and understanding when someone shares unfortunate news is important in conveying empathy and support. Instead of simply saying “Sorry to Hear That,” consider using these alternative phrases to express your concern and compassion:
Is It Professional to Say “Sorry to Hear That”?
Yes, saying “Sorry to hear that” is generally considered professional and empathetic, especially in response to someone sharing negative news or experiences. It conveys sympathy and acknowledges the other person’s feelings without implying responsibility or blame.
This phrase is commonly used in various professional contexts, such as customer service, team communications, or when offering support to colleagues.
However, as with any expression of empathy, it’s important to consider the tone and context of the conversation to ensure that it’s appropriate and genuine.
What to Say Instead of “Sorry to Hear That”
- That’s unfortunate.
- How disappointing.
- What a shame.
- That’s disheartening.
- That’s regrettable.
- How distressing.
- That’s not good to hear.
- That’s upsetting.
- How sad to hear.
- That’s troubling.
- My condolences.
- What a pity.
- That’s tough.
- How discouraging.
- That’s a letdown.
- I’m saddened to hear that.
- What a setback.
- That’s worrisome.
- That’s concerning.
- I’m sorry for your situation.
- How upsetting.
- That’s a disappointment.
- That’s unfortunate news.
- I sympathize with you.
- That’s distressing to hear.
That’s unfortunate.
By acknowledging that something is “unfortunate,” you express your sympathy for the person’s situation.
Example: “I’m sorry to hear about your car troubles. That’s unfortunate.”
How disappointing.
Expressing that something is “disappointing” conveys your understanding of the person’s feelings and your empathy for their situation.
Example: “You didn’t get the promotion? How disappointing.”
What a shame.
By stating “What a shame,” you express your sympathy and regret for the situation.
Example: “Your trip got canceled? What a shame.”
That’s disheartening.
Acknowledging that something is “disheartening” conveys your understanding of the emotional impact of the news.
Example: “Your project didn’t get approved? That’s disheartening.”
That’s regrettable.
Expressing that something is “regrettable” conveys your sympathy and acknowledgment of the unfortunate circumstances.
Example: “You lost your wallet? That’s regrettable.”
How distressing.
By stating “How distressing,” you express your concern and empathy for the person’s distressing situation.
Example: “Your pet is sick? How distressing.”
That’s not good to hear.
Acknowledging that something is “not good to hear” conveys your sympathy and concern for the person’s situation.
Example: “You’re having trouble at work? That’s not good to hear.”
That’s upsetting.
Expressing that something is “upsetting” conveys your empathy and understanding of the person’s emotional response to the news.
Example: “Your friend canceled on you? That’s upsetting.”
How sad to hear.
By stating “How sad to hear,” you express your sympathy and sadness in response to the news.
Example: “Your family member passed away? How sad to hear.”
Read More: Other Ways to Say “Please Advise”
That’s troubling.
Acknowledging that something is “troubling” conveys your concern and empathy for the person’s situation.
Example: “You’re having health issues? That’s troubling.”
My condolences.
Offering your “condolences” expresses your sympathy and support for the person during their difficult time.
Example: “Your pet passed away? My condolences.”
What a pity.
Expressing “What a pity” conveys your regret and sympathy for the unfortunate situation.
Example: “You missed the event? What a pity.”
That’s tough.
Acknowledging that something is “tough” conveys your recognition of the difficulty of the person’s situation.
Example: “You’re going through a breakup? That’s tough.”
How discouraging.
By stating “How discouraging,” you express your sympathy and acknowledgment of the person’s feelings of discouragement.
Example: “Your project didn’t turn out as expected? How discouraging.”
That’s a letdown.
Expressing that something is “a letdown” conveys your recognition of the person’s disappointment and your sympathy for their situation.
Example: “The concert was canceled? That’s a letdown.”
I’m saddened to hear that.
By stating “I’m saddened to hear that,” you express your empathy and sadness in response to the news.
Example: “Your relative is unwell? I’m saddened to hear that.”
What a setback.
Acknowledging that something is “a setback” conveys your recognition of the obstacles the person is facing and your sympathy for their situation.
Example: “You lost your job? What a setback.”
That’s worrisome.
Expressing that something is “worrisome” conveys your concern and empathy for the person’s situation.
Example: “You’re having financial difficulties? That’s worrisome.”
That’s concerning.
Acknowledging that something is “concerning” conveys your recognition of the seriousness of the person’s situation.
Example: “You’re experiencing symptoms? That’s concerning.”
I’m sorry for your situation.
By stating “I’m sorry for your situation,” you express your sympathy and support for the person during their challenging circumstances.
Example: “You’re going through a tough time? I’m sorry for your situation.”
How upsetting.
Expressing “How upsetting” conveys your empathy and understanding of the person’s emotional response to the news.
Example: “Your plans fell through? How upsetting.”
That’s a disappointment.
Acknowledging that something is “a disappointment” conveys your recognition of the person’s feelings and your sympathy for their situation.
Example: “You didn’t get the scholarship? That’s a disappointment.”
That’s unfortunate news.
Expressing that something is “unfortunate news” conveys your sympathy and acknowledgment of the unfortunate circumstances.
Example: “You’re experiencing difficulties? That’s unfortunate news.”
I sympathize with you.
By stating “I sympathize with you,” you express your empathy and understanding of the person’s situation.
Example: “You’re feeling overwhelmed? I sympathize with you.”
That’s distressing to hear.
Acknowledging that something is “distressing to hear” conveys your concern and empathy for the person’s situation.
Example: “Your family member is unwell? That’s distressing to hear.”
Final Thought:
Using alternative phrases to express sympathy and understanding allows you to convey your support and compassion in a thoughtful and meaningful manner.
These diverse expressions provide a range of options to suit different situations and personalities, enabling you to offer comfort and support effectively.
I’m Ava Thompson, your expert guide at “English WRAP Up.” I’ve been immersed in the world of English language tests, helping students ace TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG. With a wealth of experience in teaching and grading, I’m here to help you master your English exams. Join me on this educational journey, and let’s wrap up your English skills with excellence!
