Giving and responding to news (giving bad news)

Question 1

• Use expressions like these to PREPARE people for GOOD news.
• Use expressions like these to PREPARE people for BAD news.

Answer 1

…The most amazing thing happened yesterday!
…I’ve got some good news.
…Guess what?

…Do you have a minute? I’ve got some upsetting news.
…You’d better sit down.
…There’s no easy way to say this.

Question 2

If you have GOOD and BAD news, you can use the following expression.

Answer 2

…Which do you want first – the good news or the bad news?

Question 3

• If someone SHARES GOOD news with you about their life, use expressions like these:
• If someone SHARES BAD news with you about their life, use expressions like these:
• If someone has SHARED BAD news with you and you have responded, you might want to add a follow-up comment. Use expressions like these:

Answer 3

…Congratulations! Good for you!
…I’m so pleased for you.
…You must be thrilled!

…I can’t even imagine how you must feel.
…I can’t tell you how sorry I am.
…This must be quite a shock.

…I’m here for you, if you ever want to talk about it.
…If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.
…I’m sure something will work out.
…There is one consolation: At least you still have a job. …It could have been worse.

Question 4

If bad news AFFECTS you PERSONALLY, you might say something like the following. Note that the FIRST example is said SARCASTICALLY

Answer 4

…That’s just what I needed.

…What bad timing.