Speaking · Free lesson
Respond to good news and disappointing news
A friend shares news. Before choosing an enthusiastic or sympathetic phrase, notice what the news means to that person.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
For someone’s success, Congratulations! can fit. For disappointment, I’m sorry to hear that expresses sympathy. If you do not know whether a change is welcome, ask how the person feels instead of deciding for them.
Respond to the person’s feeling, not just the event.
Passing a test may be a success to celebrate. A cancelled event may disappoint someone who wanted to attend it. Begin with a short acknowledgement. A relevant question or optional offer can follow, but it should not dismiss the feeling or promise an outcome you cannot know.
Match the response to the news
I passed my driving test! — Congratulations!
The event I wanted to attend was cancelled. — That’s disappointing.
My job is changing. — How do you feel about that?
I’m sorry to hear that can mean you feel sympathy. It does not necessarily mean you caused the problem.
Listen before choosing your response
Notice the feeling
I’m so happy: I passed!
Acknowledge it
Congratulations!
Add a relevant next turn
What was the test like?
Try it now
Respond to the feeling in the situation.
Read all answers and explanations
Your friend says, I passed the exam and I’m delighted! Which reply recognizes the success?
Congratulations! You worked hard for that.Congratulations recognizes the achievement. What a shame and I’m sorry to hear that express disappointment or sympathy, which conflicts with the stated happiness.
A friend wanted to attend a concert, but it was cancelled. They say they are disappointed. Which response acknowledges that feeling?
That’s disappointing. I’m sorry to hear that.The second response expresses sympathy. Saying it went well or praising an achievement misses the disappointment.
A colleague says only, My role at work is changing. You do not know whether they welcome it. Which response avoids assuming their feelings?
How do you feel about the change?An open question lets the colleague explain their view. Congratulations assumes welcome news; That’s awful assumes bad news.
Put it into practice
Respond to Nora’s cancelled trip.
Acknowledge Nora’s disappointment. Then offer a simple alternative she can accept or decline.
- Nora
My weekend trip was cancelled. I’m really disappointed.
See a model answer
- Nora
My weekend trip was cancelled. I’m really disappointed.
- You
I’m sorry to hear that. You were looking forward to it.
- Nora
Yes. I had already made plans for the whole weekend.
- You
Would you like to go for a walk instead?
Sympathy recognizes the disappointment without claiming blame. The optional walk offers company and leaves Nora a choice; it does not guarantee a perfect future trip.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Does I’m sorry to hear that admit fault?
Not necessarily. It is often an expression of sympathy for news you did not cause. The situation makes its meaning clear.
I’m sorry to hear that.
What if I cannot tell whether the news is good?
Ask a neutral question about the person’s view. Do not impose celebration or sympathy before you understand how they feel.
How do you feel about that?
Take it into your day
Recognize the feeling, acknowledge it, then follow the person’s lead.
Your next step · Available on Udemy
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The English Grammar and English Speaking course includes Expressing Feelings, with sentence-building, vocabulary and conversation practice. Those foundations help you connect your response to what another person is saying.
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