expressing condolences

USAGE SUMMARY

"expressing condolences" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone offers sympathy or comfort to someone who has experienced a loss or a difficult situation. Example: The entire community came together to express their condolences to the family of the victim who tragically passed away in a car accident.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After briefly expressing condolences, Mr. Cruz went on to assail the law.

The New York Times

That same day, Trump offered a statement, expressing condolences and then speaking more broadly.

The Washington Post

Francis, Zeno and Titus join in expressing condolences to Patricia, Tony and Julia.

The New York Times

The last letter is written from Barnes to Eliot's widow, expressing condolences for Eliot's death.

The New Yorker

"Lo siento mucho," Mr. Bloomberg said, expressing condolences before switching to English.

The New York Times

President Obama sent a letter, read to the crowd, expressing condolences for the four men lost.

The New York Times

Both President Obama and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta called Mr. Karzai, expressing condolences and promising thorough investigations.

The New York Times

After Kim's death, some South Korean Web users posted tweets wondering whether they'd be punished for expressing condolences.

The Washington Post

But officials, while expressing condolences, refuse to answer questions on the advice of lawyers, because of an impending lawsuit.

The New York Times

The company paid tribute to Boisseau on its website, expressing condolences to his family and those of the other victims.

The Guardian

In Beijing this morning, President Bush released a statement expressing condolences to Mr. Pearl's wife and family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "expressing condolences", be genuine and specific in your message. A personalized note is often more comforting than a generic statement.

Common error

Avoid "expressing condolences" when offering routine apologies. This phrase is reserved for situations involving significant loss or grief, not minor inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressing condolences" functions as a verbal phrase often used as part of a larger sentence to describe the act of conveying sympathy. Ludwig examples show its use in formal statements by public figures and organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expressing condolences" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for conveying sympathy. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriateness in formal and neutral registers, particularly within News & Media contexts. While various alternatives exist, such as "offering sympathy" or "sending thoughts and prayers", it's crucial to use the phrase genuinely and in appropriate contexts, avoiding misuse in routine apologies. Remember to personalize the message for a more comforting impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressing deepest sympathy

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the depth of the speaker's sympathy.

sharing in your sorrow

Emphasizes empathy and a shared emotional experience.

extending heartfelt sympathy

Adds emphasis to the depth and sincerity of the sympathy being offered.

offering sympathy

Focuses on the act of giving sympathy, emphasizing the emotional support.

passing along deepest sympathies

More formal and emphasizes the transmission of sympathy.

sending thoughts and prayers

A common expression of support, particularly in religious contexts.

offering deepest regrets

Expresses sorrow and remorse for the situation.

paying respects

Focuses on honoring the deceased or the gravity of the situation.

giving words of comfort

Highlights the intention to provide solace and support through language.

showing compassion

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating empathy and understanding.

FAQs

How do you use "expressing condolences" in a sentence?

You can use "expressing condolences" when describing an action of conveying sympathy, as in "The president was "expressing condolences" to the families of the victims".

What is a more formal way of "expressing condolences"?

A more formal alternative to "expressing condolences" is "extending heartfelt sympathy", which emphasizes the depth and sincerity of the sentiment.

What can I say instead of "expressing condolences"?

Alternatives include "offering sympathy", "sending thoughts and prayers", or "sharing in your sorrow" depending on the context and your relationship with the person.

Is it appropriate to use "expressing condolences" in a business email?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "expressing condolences" in a business email when acknowledging a significant loss or tragedy that affects employees or stakeholders. However, ensure the tone remains professional and sincere.