Knowing how to say condolences is important when words feel difficult to find. Simple, heartfelt phrases often bring the most comfort and show genuine care.

By keeping your message clear and compassionate, you can offer support without overwhelming the grieving person. These simple words can make a big difference in showing empathy. Even the shortest condolence can carry deep meaning and kindness.

Say Condolences With Examples

15 Simple Condolence Phrases

#	English Phrase	Example Dialogue
1	I’m so sorry for your loss.	“I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know I’m here for you.”
2	My thoughts are with you.	“My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”
3	I’m here if you need anything.	“Please remember, I’m here if you need anything at all.”
4	Sending you love and strength.	“I’m sending you love and strength to get through this.”
5	You’re in my prayers.	“You’re in my prayers, and I hope you find peace.”
6	I’m thinking of you.	“I’m thinking of you and your family right now.”
7	Please accept my condolences.	“Please accept my condolences for your loss.”
8	Wishing you peace.	“Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.”
9	I care about you.	“I care about you deeply and I’m here whenever you need me.”
10	My heart goes out to you.	“My heart goes out to you and your family at this time.”
11	You’re not alone.	“Please know you’re not alone. I’m just a call away.”
12	I share in your sadness.	“I share in your sadness and offer you my deepest sympathy.”
13	May your memories bring comfort.	“May your memories bring comfort and peace to your heart.”
14	Holding you close in my thoughts.	“I’m holding you close in my thoughts during this hard time.”
15	I’m deeply saddened by your loss.	“I’m deeply saddened by your loss and want to support you in any way I can.”

Let’s explore 15 meaningful ways to say condolences—with real dialogue and the origins or common usage of each phrase.

1. I’m sorry for your loss.

Origin:
This is the most widely used and universally understood phrase of sympathy in English, especially in formal or written condolences.

Example:
👤 User A: I just heard about your father. I’m so sorry for your loss.
👤 User B: Thank you. That means a lot.

Use: Standard, formal to semi-formal.

2. My deepest condolences.

Origin:
This phrase is often used in cards and formal announcements, offering a deeper sense of shared grief.

Example:
👤 User A: My deepest condolences to you and your family.
👤 User B: Thank you. We appreciate your kindness.

Use: Formal and respectful, often in writing.

3. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Origin:
A modern expression used often in sympathy cards and social media posts to show emotional support.

Example:
👤 User A: Thinking of you during this difficult time.
👤 User B: Thanks. Your support means a lot right now.

Use: Warm and heartfelt; good for friends and family.

4. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

Origin:
This faith-based phrase is rooted in Christian traditions but is widely accepted in secular expressions of sympathy as well.

Example:
👤 User A: You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
👤 User B: Thank you. We feel very supported.

Use: Especially common in religious communities.

5. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Origin:
This is a more formal and polite phrase used in business or distant personal relationships.

Example:
👤 User A: Please accept my sincere condolences on your grandmother’s passing.
👤 User B: Thank you for your kind words.

Use: Formal, especially for work or professional relationships.

6. I’m here if you need anything.

Origin:
This supportive expression offers both emotional and practical help during grief.

Example:
👤 User A: I know this is hard. I’m here if you need anything.
👤 User B: Thanks. Just knowing you’re there helps.

Use: Friendly and helpful; good for close relationships.

7. Sending you love and strength.

Origin:
This modern, emotionally sensitive phrase is often used in digital communication, like texts or social media.

Example:
👤 User A: Sending you love and strength during this time.
👤 User B: Thank you. That really comforts me.

Use: Informal, heartfelt; great for messages and texts.

8. They will be missed.

Origin:
Used to honor the memory of the deceased while also supporting the mourner.

Example:
👤 User A: Your mom was such a lovely woman. She will truly be missed.
👤 User B: Thank you. She really loved you too.

Use: Neutral and heartfelt; often said in eulogies or after services.

9. May they rest in peace.

Origin:
Originally from Latin (“Requiescat in pace” or R.I.P.), this phrase is commonly found in religious and non-religious mourning contexts.

Example:
👤 User A: I’m so sorry. May he rest in peace.
👤 User B: Amen. Thank you for your words.

Use: Respectful, often religious but now universal.

10. Wishing you comfort and peace.

Origin:
A modern phrase often found in written sympathy messages, aimed at emotional reassurance.

Example:
👤 User A: Wishing you comfort and peace during this sad time.
👤 User B: That’s very kind. Thank you.

Use: Gentle and elegant; perfect for condolence cards.

11. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you.

Origin:
This empathetic expression avoids assuming the mourner’s experience, which is often appreciated.

Example:
👤 User A: I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you.
👤 User B: Thank you. That’s really thoughtful of you.

Use: Deeply compassionate and emotionally intelligent.

12. They had such a beautiful soul.

Origin:
A personalized tribute that adds warmth and sentiment, often used in eulogies or memorial posts.

Example:
👤 User A: She had such a beautiful soul. I’ll always remember her kindness.
👤 User B: Thank you. That means a lot to us.

Use: Poetic and heartfelt.

13. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.

Origin:
More focused on the mourner than the loss, this phrase shows empathy for the emotional experience.

Example:
👤 User A: I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
👤 User B: Thanks. It’s been really hard, but your words help.

Use: Supportive and sensitive.

14. My heart goes out to you.

Origin:
A touching phrase that expresses deep emotional sympathy, popular in both spoken and written condolences.

Example:
👤 User A: My heart goes out to you and your family.
👤 User B: Thank you for your compassion.

Use: Warm, sincere, and appropriate for many relationships.

15. Let me know how I can help.

Origin:
A practical offer of support that goes beyond words, showing true solidarity.

Example:
👤 User A: Let me know how I can help—with anything, even errands.
👤 User B: I might take you up on that. Thank you.

Use: Compassionate and action-oriented.

Conclusion:

Learning how to say condolences reminds us that kindness doesn’t need to be complicated. A few heartfelt words can provide comfort, show compassion, and let someone know they’re not alone in their grief. By choosing short, thoughtful phrases, you can express support in a way that feels genuine and respectful.