paying condolences

USAGE SUMMARY

"paying condolences" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means showing sympathy or expressing condolences to someone who is grieving or has experienced a loss. Example: "The entire community came together to pay their condolences to the family of the victim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They start paying condolences when the mother has a female.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

People in Bethlehem and the neighboring town of Beit Jala were reclaiming houses and neighborhoods today after the Israeli pullout, cleaning up wreckage left by the soldiers and paying condolence calls to families whose members were killed.

The New York Times

"Cizre gave 17 martyrs for Kobane," says Mullah Qassem, an imam who has come to pay condolences.

The Economist

Today, neighbors stopped by to pay condolences, and relatives comforted Mr. Nemorin's wife, Rose-André.

The New York Times

Some 3,000 people gathered on Sunday to pay condolences to the family of a pharmacist shot and killed during a protest on Friday.

Independent

They confirm that on 24 January Cameron and four others took a charter flight to Saudi Arabia "to pay condolences following death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz".

The Guardian

"The visit was to pay condolences following the death of the king, which was attended by heads of state from across the world".

The Guardian

Ms May, who has travelled to Sousse along with foreign office minister Tobias Ellwood for talks with authorities and to pay condolences at the scene of the attack, described Friday's events as a "despicable act of cruelty".

Independent

Mr. Arafat only made one previous visit to an Israeli prime minister's home, and that was to pay condolences to the family of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin after he was assassinated in 1995.

The New York Times

Days after Walter L. Scott was shot to death as he ran away from a South Carolina police officer, North Charleston's white mayor and white police chief paid condolences to his grieving family.

Los Angeles Times

A parade of girlfriends have paid condolence calls, Mrs. Riches said, each wearing a firehouse T-shirt from Jimmy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Tailor your message to the individual and the situation. What might be appropriate for a close friend may not be suitable for a professional acquaintance. Consider the relationship and the nature of the loss when "paying condolences".

Common error

When "paying condolences", steer clear of overused phrases that sound insincere or dismissive. Instead of saying something generic like "They're in a better place", focus on expressing your sorrow and offering support in a genuine way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paying condolences" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of expressing sympathy or offering comfort to someone who has experienced a loss. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "paying condolences" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression for showing sympathy to someone who has experienced a loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common phrase, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is typically neutral to formal, sincerity and empathy are essential when offering condolences. Alternatives such as "offering sympathy" or "expressing heartfelt sympathy" can be used to add a personal touch. It's important to avoid insincere or clichéd language and tailor your message to the individual and situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressing heartfelt sympathy

This alternative amplifies the sincerity of the condolences.

extending condolences

This is a more formal alternative, suggesting a broader and more encompassing expression of sympathy.

sending one's deepest sympathy

This emphasizes the depth and sincerity of the sympathy being expressed.

offering sympathy

This focuses on the emotional aspect of expressing grief. It is more direct.

expressing sympathy

This alternative highlights the act of showing sorrow, emphasizing the communication of feelings.

conveying sympathy

This focuses on the act of communicating feelings of support and understanding.

expressing sorrow

This highlights the feeling of sadness and communicates it to the bereaved.

offering one's regrets

This emphasizes the sorrow felt by the person giving condolences.

showing compassion

This focuses on demonstrating empathy and care towards those who are grieving.

offering support

This emphasizes providing practical and emotional assistance during a difficult time.

FAQs

What does "paying condolences" mean?

The phrase "paying condolences" means expressing sympathy or offering comfort to someone who has experienced a loss, such as the death of a loved one. It involves showing your support and sharing in their grief.

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

You can use "paying condolences" in a sentence like this: "The Prime Minister visited the bereaved family to pay his condolences." It indicates the act of expressing sympathy.

What are some alternative phrases for "paying condolences"?

Some alternatives to "paying condolences" include "offering sympathy", "expressing sympathy", or "extending condolences". These phrases all convey a similar sentiment of offering comfort and support during a time of grief.

Is it appropriate to "pay condolences" in a professional setting?

Yes, it is often appropriate to "pay condolences" in a professional setting when a colleague or someone in your professional network experiences a loss. However, keep your message brief, respectful, and sincere. Avoid overly personal or emotional expressions.