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Condolence Phrases - How to Find the Right Condolence Phrases

 

Condolence Phrases have a number of uses. They can be used in a flower message card, sympathy card or condolence letter to the family of the deceased. Condolence phrases can also be spoken to the family of the deceased as part of a eulogy, or when offering condolences at a funeral. Condolence phrases can be poetry or simple prose that express your compassion for the family of the deceased. To get started, you can read our examples of condolence phrases or you can read about How to Find the Right Condolence Phrase below:

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Condolence Phrases

 

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Condolence Phrases - How to Find the Right Condolence Phrases

Finding the right condolence phrases to say at the right time can be a challenging task. No matter how well you may know somebody; there is no telling how they might be feeling after losing a loved one to death. That is why it can be helpful to consult samples of condolence phrases like the ones we've provided above. First though, it would be beneficial to fully understand the intent of sympathy messages, that way you can select the sample or phrase that best suits your personal situation, and conveys the exact sentiment that you desire. Read on to learn a little bit more about what condolence messages should say, how they should be written, and how you can select the perfect condolence phrases.

The Purpose of Condolence Phrases

The main purpose of condolence phrases is to console those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Whether a friend or family member, losing someone you love is a tragic event that leaves people enduring a wealth of emotions. These feelings can range from extreme sadness to outright anger, so it is important how you might word your sympathy card or letter. The key to writing an acceptable condolence message is to use condolence phrases that are relevant to:

  • The bereaved person's relationship to the deceased
  • Your relationship with the bereaved
  • Your relationship to the deceased
  • What emotions the bereaved is experiencing

There are traditional condolence phrases that are tried and tested over time. Many people use them, and it is quire appropriate to do so. You may however wish to write a more personal note, expressing exactly what you're feeling, and what is in your heart. If that is the case, you can use the samples we've provided as an inspiration and guidelines for composing your own heartfelt words of comfort. Let's take a look at a few traditional condolence phrases and how they might apply to your personal situation.

Some Traditional Condolence Phrases and Their Application

First let's look at three traditional condolence phrases and variations of them that are used popularly around the world for expressing sorrow.

  1. With Deepest Sympathies. This is one of the most common of traditional condolence phrases and has been used for centuries to express sympathy. This particular phrase is appropriate for writing on a card that may accompany a gift of sympathy flowers or sympathy baskets. It is usually used by those who wish to express their condolences to families of co-workers, or other people they did not know intimately.
  2. We are so sad to hear of your loss. Again appropriate for those who you may not be very intimate with, but also suitable for those who you are quite close to. Expressing sadness rather than sympathy, it may be more appropriate for those who may be a bit oversensitive to accepting sympathy. Remember, people experience a plethora of emotions, and may relate sympathy to pity, even though it is not your intention.
  3. May Your Memories Bring you Comfort. This is a more positive thought in that it encourages the bereaved to remember those special times they had with their loved one, and the special qualities they may have possessed. It would be quite appropriate; in fact it is encouraged, for you to include your own short humorous or special memory of the deceased. Those who are grieving find comfort in knowing that their loved one brought joy into the lives of others while they were alive. If you do include your own memory of the deceased, keep it to a sentence or two, you can always share that memory and others later in time either in a longer letter, or in person with the bereaved after some time has passed.

Condolence phrases are often the first form of comfort that a grieving person receives. Take a look through the condolence phrase examples we have provided above. They are appropriate for cards, letters, or even for including in a short poem. We have condolence phrases for every occasion that you can use as inspiration to craft your own heartfelt and appropriate condolence message. Remember to keep condolence notes relatively short. Speak from the heart, and with knowledge of the deceased and the bereaved in mind, and you will be sure to send a message of sympathy containing the perfect condolence phrases for your friend or family member.

 
 
 
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