16 Phrases to React to Bad News (Not “That’s Terrible”)

Cambly – Speak English Fluently

Practice with native tutors anytime, anywhere

Start speaking English from day one with live 1-to-1 conversations. Sign up using this link and unlock free minutes to try real conversations with professional native speakers. No schedule, no pressure — just instant, real practice when you need it.

Claim your free minutes →

“That’s terrible” works, but it can feel flat or over-used. Try these 16 phrases to react to bad news (not “that’s terrible”) and you’ll sound more caring, natural, and supportive every time.

Caring Reactions to Bad News

Casual & Friendly

1. Oh no, I’m so sorry. Immediate empathy. “I lost my wallet.” — “Oh no, I’m so sorry.”
2. That sucks. Sympathetic, not rude. “My flight got canceled.” — “That sucks.”
3. What a nightmare! Shows shock plus concern. “The car broke down at midnight.” — “What a nightmare!”
4. You okay? Short check-in. “I slipped on the stairs.” — “You okay?”
5. I can’t imagine how you feel. Honors their emotion. “My grandma’s in the hospital.” — “I can’t imagine how you feel.”
6. Let me know if you need anything. Offers help. “The fridge died.” — “Let me know if you need anything.”

Polite & Supportive

7. I’m here for you. Gentle reassurance. “I got laid off.” — “I’m here for you.”
8. That must be really tough. Acknowledges difficulty. “They filed for divorce.” — “That must be really tough.”
9. Sending good vibes your way. Modern, kind. “My exam got rescheduled.” — “Sending good vibes your way.”
10. If there’s anything I can do, just say the word. Clear offer. “The basement flooded.” — “If there’s anything I can do, just say the word.”
11. I’m keeping you in my thoughts. Shows ongoing care. “ biopsy results next week.” — “I’m keeping you in my thoughts.”
12. Take all the time you need. Gives space. “I’m not ready to talk.” — “Take all the time you need.”

Calm / Professional

13. I’m sorry to hear that. Classic, respectful. “Sales dropped 20 %.” — “I’m sorry to hear that.”
14. That’s unfortunate. Softer than “terrible.” “The event got rained out.” — “That’s unfortunate.”
15. Let’s see how we can fix this. Moves toward action. “The shipment is lost.” — “Let’s see how we can fix this.”
16. We’ll figure it out together. Team spirit. “The funding fell through.” — “We’ll figure it out together.”

Real-Life Dialogues

Friend: My laptop crashed and I lost the file.
You: Oh no, I’m so sorry. Let me know if you need anything—maybe I can help recover it.

Co-worker: They postponed the launch again.
You: That’s unfortunate. Let’s see how we can fix this timeline.

Neighbor: My dog is missing.
You: What a nightmare! I’m keeping you in my thoughts. If there’s anything I can do, just say the word.

Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Reaction

Why This Matters

• Native speakers avoid repeating “that’s terrible”—variety shows empathy.
• Correct reactions build trust and deeper connections.
• Natural responses boost speaking-test fluency scores.

Choose one new phrase, try it today, and watch your English sound kinder and more fluent. Happy learning! 😊

Hostinger Web Hosting

Fast, secure & affordable hosting for any website

Launch your site with high-speed servers, free SSL, daily backups, one-click WordPress installation and 24/7 support. Ideal for blogs, businesses and online stores that need reliable performance worldwide.

Check plans & claim discount →