UNIT VIII: FUNCTIONS

 Expressing / responding to good news & Expressing / responding to bad news:

 Expressing good news:

I've got some good / great news.

I've got some smashing news to tell you.

Listen to this, (with a positive intonation) …. !
 Responding to good news:

Wow, that sounds exciting !

That’s great !

How fantastic !

Really ? (with a positive intonation)

What ? (with a positive intonation)
 Expressing bad news:

I really don’t know how to say it, but …

I’m sorry to have to say this, but …

I really feel bad to have to say this, but …

Unfortunately, …
 Responding to bad news:

Oh, dear !

I’m so sorry to hear that.

Too bad !

That’s awful / a pity / unfortunate.

With heartfelt sympathy and understanding thoughts in this time of sadness.

Please accept our deepest sympathy for ...

My heart is saddened by the ...
 Examples:

Sample phrases (from formal to informal)

A: I am/was deeply/truly sorry to hear about your grandmother. I understand what you're going through right now.

B: Thank you very much. I'm deeply moved/touched.

A: I was sorry/shocked/upset to hear you didn't win the scholarship. I know how disappointed you must feel.

B: I appreciate your sympathy/kindness. I hope I'll do better next year.

A: How shocking/awful to hear about your accident. Are you OK?

B: It's very nice/kind of you to be so concerned but really, I'm fine now.

A: Too bad you didn't get the raise. I was hoping you would!

B: Thanks for your support. Sometimes things don't go the way we want, do they?