How to Express Sadness in English

Some days arent as good as others, and from time to time, you may, in fact, feel sad. Learning how to express your feelings can be really important for your everyday life. Having the right vocabulary can help you get through the sadness and also let others know how you are feeling.  It will also help you learn what to say when someone else is unhappy. Structures  Used to Express Sadness The examples used in this section are in the present continuous tense that helps express your feelings at the moment of speaking. However, 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 example sentences is a formula that shows you how to construct the sentence, including the subject  and  the verb to be: Subject   be feeling down about  something Ive been feeling down about work lately.Shes feeling down about her grades. Subject be upset about  something Im upset about my friends dishonesty.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 formal forms when speaking with people at work  or those you dont know very 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. Instead, it describes a particularly heavy rain. Some of the common English idioms that express sadness are: 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 people tell you they are sad, its important to express concern and sympathy. Here are some common phrases to show that you care: Informal Bummer.I feel you.Tough luck.I cant believe that. Thats horrible/disgusting/not fair. Sentence Examples I feel you. Life isnt always easy.Bummer, but keep trying. Youll find a good job eventually. Formal Im (so) 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? Sentence Examples Im sorry to hear that. What can I do to help?Thats too bad. Would you like to talk about it? Encouraging Others to Speak If you see that someone is sad, but that person is not talking to you about it, it may sometimes be best to give them space. However, to show the person you are there for them, use the following phrases and questions to get them to open up about their feelings. You dont seem to be yourself today. Is anything the matter?You seem sad. You can tell me all about it if you want.Why the long face? Note: In sensitive situations like talking about someones negative feelings, your intonation and overall approach can be really crucial. Make sure you are not coming across as a pushy or prying person. Instead, try to convey that you simply want to help. 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 makes no sense! I just dont feel well about it at all.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. You can tell me all about it if you want.Anna: OK, well, 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, help me distract myself. Lets go exercise together! Sue: Now youre talking. The new dance class at the gym would help you feel much better.Anna: Yes, maybe thats what I really need.