Showing Concern - Intermediate
Sometimes other people are sad, upset or have a problem of some kind. There are many things we can say to show concern. Here are ten of them.
10 expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing:
- What's the matter?
- Are you alright?
- What's getting you down?
- What's up (with you)?
- Why the long face?
- You look a bit down.
- Is there anything I can do to help?
- Do you need a shoulder to cry on?
- You look like you could do with a drink.
- Oh you poor thing !
How To Use These Phrases In Your English:
- Phrases 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are asking the other person what their problem is.
- Phrases 1, 2, and 3 are more sympathetic while phrases 4 and 5 are less friendly.
- Phrase 6 is a simple observation that the other person looks sad. But you expect the other person to explain the problem.
- Phrases 7 and 8 are offering help or sympathy.
- Phrase 8 is specifically offering to listen while the other person talks about their problem or reason for sadness.
- Phrase 9 is an offer of a drink (alcohol or a cup of tea). This is a typical British response to somebody with a major problem or after a disaster of some kind.
- Phrase 10 is intended to sound sympathetic. This expression can sound patronising to some people.
Intermediate
