How to Express Sadness in English

How to Express Sadness in English Some days arent as good as others. In fact, you may feel sad from time to time. Its important to learn how to express sadness when you are feeling down.  Also, you should know what to say when someone else is unhappy. StructuresUsed to Express Sadness The examples used in this section are in the present continuous tense to express feeling sad at the moment of speaking. You can also use these expressions in different tenses. Informal: Use these informal forms when speaking to close friends and family. Preceding each set of sentences, an  example shows how to construct the sentence, including the subject  and  to be verb: Subject   be feeling down about  something Im feeling down about work lately.Shes feeling down about her grades. Subject be upset about  something Im upset about my friends.Toms upset about his boss. Hes too hard on him! Subject be sad about  something Im sad about the situation at work.Jennifers sad about her mother. Formal: Use these more formal forms when speaking to people at work  or with those whom you dont know well. Subject be out of sorts Im sorry. Im out of sorts today. Ill be better tomorrow.Peter is out of sorts today. Ask him tomorrow. Subject do not feel well Doug doesnt feel well today.I dont feel well. Im going to the doctor. Expressing Sadness With Idioms Idioms  are expressions that dont literally mean what they say, such as: Its raining cats and dogs. The expression  doesnt mean that cats and dogs are falling out of the sky. English uses common idioms when speaking about sadness: Subject be feeling blue  about something Jack is feeling blue about his relationship with his girlfriend.Our teacher said he was feeling blue about life last night. Subject be in the dumps about something Were in the dumps about our financial situation.Kelly is in the dumps about her horrible job. Showing Concern When someone tells you he is sad, its important to express concern. Here are some common phrases to show that you care. Informal: BummerI feel you.Tough luck.I cant believe that. Thats horrible / disgusting / not fair Examples of informal expressions of concern include: I feel you. Life isnt always easy.Bummer, but keep trying. Youll find a good job eventually. Formal: Im sorry to hear that.Thats too bad.What can I do to help?Is there anything I can do for you?Would you like to talk about it? Some examples of formal expressions of concern are: Im sorry to hear that. What can I do to help?Thats too bad. Would you like to talk about it? If you see that someone is sad, but that person is not telling you, use the following phrases to get her to open up about her feelings. Ask prompting questions when helping a friend or  colleague who is feeling sad, such as: Whats the matter?You seem sad. Tell me all about it.Why the long face? Example Dialogues These dialogues will help you and a friend or fellow student practice expressing sadness or concern. At work: Colleague 1: Hi Bob. Im feeling out of sorts today.Colleague 2: Im sorry to hear that. What seems to be the problem? Colleague 1: Well, Im really upset about the changes at work.Colleague 2: I know its been difficult for everyone. Colleague 1: I just dont understand why they had to change our team!Colleague 2: Sometimes management does things we dont understand. Colleague 1: It make no sense! I just dont feel well.Colleague 2: Maybe you need some time off work. Colleague 1: Yes, maybe thats it.Colleague 2: Is there anything I can do to help? Colleague 1: No, just talking about it makes me feel a little better.Colleague 2: Feel free to talk to me anytime. Colleague 1: Thanks. I appreciate it.Colleague 2: No problem. Between friends: Sue: Anna, whats the matter?Anna: Nothing. Im fine. Sue: You seem sad. Tell me all about it.Anna: OK, Im in the dumps about Tom. Sue: Bummer. What seems to be the problem?Anna: I dont think he loves me anymore. Sue: Really! Are you sure about that?Anna: Yes, I saw him yesterday with Mary. They were laughing and having a great time. Sue: Well, maybe they were just studying together. It doesnt mean hes leaving you.Anna: Thats what I keep telling myself. Still, Im feeling blue. Sue: Is there anything I can do?Anna: Yes, lets go shopping! Sue: Now youre talking. A nice new pair shoes would help you feel much better.Anna: Yes, maybe thats what I really need. Not a boyfriend  but some beautiful new shoes.