When someone you care about is going through a tough time, finding the right words in English can feel overwhelming. You want to comfort them, to be there, but it’s hard to know exactly what to say—especially when English isn’t your first language.
So in this post, I’m going to share 20 natural English phrases for showing empathy. These are expressions you can use with friends, colleagues, or anyone who’s having a hard time.
If you're learning English, you might have come across the words lonely and alone and wondered what the difference is. They sound similar, they’re often used in similar situations, and they both relate to being by yourself. But the truth is, they mean very different things — and understanding that difference can help you express yourself more clearly and naturally in English.
When someone shares difficult news with us, whether it’s about a loss, a setback, or something deeply personal, it can be hard to know what to say in English. You want to be supportive, kind, and comforting, but sometimes words just don’t feel like enough.
In today’s blog we explore useful English phrases you can use to respond sensitively when someone shares bad news with you.
