When a person dies it is difficult to know what to say to the

 bereaved. If English is your second language, it is even harder to comfort a grieving person. We sometimes use a present tense verb when we should use the past. Don’t feel bad if you do this. Even native English speakers find this awkward in the early hours and days after a person’s passing.

It is important to acknowledge the loss in one form or another. Here are a few expressions you can use to express your care and concern in English when someone passes away.

Expressing Condolences in English
It is a good idea to name the person who died. If you know this person, describe something you loved about him or her. Share a fond memory if you have one. If you don’t know the person, express sadness that you never got to meet him or her or acknowledge the importance of this person to your friend.

When you are looking for a card in a stationery shop look for “sympathy” cards. You can use many of the same expressions in a sympathy note or card.

Words to go with a sympathy gift or donation
Please accept these flowers from our family.
I have made a donation to _____________ (charity or organization) in ________________ (name’s) honour.
As per your request, we have made a donation to _________ in lieu of flowers.

Expressing Condolences via Social Media Networks
It is okay to express your condolences in a comment if the announcement has been made in a status update or blog. Take a moment to send a private note as well.

WordChecker
bereaved (noun): person who is grieving the loss of a loved one (adjective= “bereaved”)
grieve (verb): to feel and express sadness after the loss of a loved one(noun=”grief”)
acknowledge (verb): to express recognition or realization
deceased (noun): the person who is no longer alive(adjective=”deceased”)
pass away (verb): to die (noun=”passing”: I’m sorry to hear of his passing.)
dedicated (adjective): showing extreme care and commitment to a person or thing
to feel up to something(verb): to be feeling well enough to leave the home and do something with another person
donation (noun): a gift of money or items to a research organization or charity that helps others
in lieu of flowers: instead of buying flowers (use only if the bereaved request donations instead of flowers)

Discuss: Should you say “Time will heal” to a person who has just lost a loved one? We all know this is true, but do we want to hear this phrase when the loss and sadness is so fresh?

Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub | December 2010
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.

Thank you all for the hard work and patience.

Today we are having a potluck and celebrating Canada day with games  and get our CLB 5/6 certificates. (Prizes for the team competition)

Sorry Your certificates will be ready in 3 weeks. I was late in requesting them. Please phone the office during the holiday and come in to collect them.

Good news is that next year there will be a CLB 6/7 Blended Learning Evening Class.

The class will be English for Employment and your teacher will be Employment readiness.

If you didn't fill in a registration form please send an email to the LINC office  asking them to register you. I think there are many from other classes who have CLB 6 and need CLB 7 so please register. I don't know who the teacher will be but I know we have a lot of good CLB 7 teachers.

All the best in the future!!!

You were the best class.

Regards

Zoe.