Certainly, here are 35 ways to express sympathy and apologize for a loss:
ways to say sorry for your loss
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm so sorry to learn about John's passing.
Always remember that someone loved this person.
Make it personal by mentioning their loved one’s name.
My heart breaks with you at the loss of your daughter, Bethany.
Remember, when someone dies, they are a son, daughter, spouse, aunt, uncle, sister, brother and so many other things to so many people.
Make it personal by giving them a title.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I'm at a loss for words during this tragic time for you and your family. I will never forget [name]. Please know that I am praying for your peace and comfort.
[Name] was such a light, and it’s hard to comprehend that they are gone. My heart is with you during this unexpected time of loss.
Nothing I say can ease the pain that you must be enduring right now, and no one could ever take her place. Not ever. But I am here for you, now and always, when you need someone to lean on.
Someone as special as [name] won’t ever fade from our hearts and memories. They lived with such passion and everyone who knew them, myself included, was blessed by their presence.
How I wish to be there for you throughout this devastating time. He will be so sorely missed. I am with you in spirit, as are my thoughts and prayers.
It’s hard to imagine a world without [name]. They were an incredible friend and my heart aches with you.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your loss. My sorrow is great because [name] was such an amazing person who has impacted my life in many ways. She/he will be missed.
I am deeply grieved at the loss you and your family have encountered. I hope the comfort of faith and family will help to ease your pain, even if just slightly.
Words, no matter how kind, will always fall short. They may not be able to relieve the heartache, but those who care for you pray for your peace and comfort daily. We love you.
It was with great sorrow that we learned of [name]’s passing. They were the most wonderful [friend/spouse/ father/mother/etc], and will be missed by so many. Our hearts are with you.
So many fond memories of [name] come to mind. They left an amazing mark on those whose lives they touched. May your special memories of them help you through this sorrowful time.
Non-Verbal Ways to Say ‘I’m Sorry for Your Loss’
These are just a few of the ways to change up your expressions of sympathy and support. There are many more ways to say ‘I’m sorry for your loss’; we’ve collected 101 condolence messages that you are free to use and adapt.
Keep in mind that everyone handles a death differently. Sometimes no words need to be spoken. A hug, a holding of hands, a gentle pat on the shoulder will convey more than words ever could.
Drop off a hot meal for the family.
As appropriate to your relationship, use comforting touch. If you’re unsure, simply ask – “Would you like a hug right now?”
Send flowers or a gift; it can be anything from a personalized memorial to a beverage from their favorite coffee shop, a succulent to a self-care spa gift set.
A sympathy card may be your way of offering your thoughts in written form. Some use beautiful artwork, others use poems or Scripture verses, and still others use humor. You can personalize it by adding a remark of your own.
You can shoot someone a text to let them know you are thinking of them at this time. Here are some examples of condolence text messages.
Post a feeling of sympathy/condolences on Facebook.
Go to the funeral home website and offer your feelings.
If you don't learn of the death for a few days or perhaps weeks, it is never too late to offer your sympathies. Grieving families will appreciate your thoughts and concerns.
Always keep in mind that someone loved this person. This was a husband or wife, a son or daughter, an aunt or uncle, a brother, sister, father, mother, or simply a beloved friend.
Read next: 50 Best Sympathy Gifts for Someone Who Is Grieving
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Karen Roldan has been in the funeral industry since 2006, and a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 2008. She attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL, and graduated with an associate degree in Mortuary Science.
Karen enjoys wring about the funeral industry because her passion is helping families in their deepest time of need. She feels being a funeral director is a calling and she is proud to fulfill this role.
Karen is a wife and the mother of four sons. She, her husband and their youngest son call Pennsylvania home.
