Something unfortunate happens and as a good friend you want to
say something to show you how you feel. Here are two
definitions.
To commiserate… to express sorrow or
pity
To sympathize… to share or understand
the feelings or ideas of another
They are often given as synonyms. So let’s talk
about some ways to commiserate (or sympathize) with others.
Oh, you poor thing! - I’m so
sorry! - What a shame!
Is there anything I can
do? - How can I help you? - That’s too bad!
That’s so sad. - Sorry to hear
that. - What a pity! - How awful!
Now we need to make
up some unfortunate situations. Here are a few:
1) Oh no, I
sprained my ankle!
2) My aunt is in
the hospital.
3) I have a
terrible toothache.
4) My sister broke
her leg skiing.
5) I didn’t pass
the driving license exam.
6) I have an awful
migraine/headache.
7) My girlfriend
left me.
8) I got fired!
9) They cancelled
my flight.
10) I lost my dog.
11) My best friend
moved to another country.
12) I failed my
history exam.
13) I lost one of my
contact lens.
Try and let the students
come up with other situations and then they can use an
appropriate remark to commiserate or sympathize. This is good
oral practice for the students. In this way they can see how
these expressions are used. Try using a “chain “ situation
again, one gives a statement, the next student replies with a
sympathetic expression, and so on until everyone gets a chance
to participate.
A Nice
Thought.
“ Anybody can
sympathize with a friend’s sufferings, but it requires a very
fine nature to sympathize with a friend’s success.”
Oscar Wilde