sorry about the loss

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A polite expression of sympathy to someone who has lost a person, a game, or something important.

   Grammar: Used as a complete sympathetic remark, often with 'I'm': 'I'm sorry about the loss.'

   Patterns

   • I'm sorry about the loss of something
   • sorry about the loss

   I was so sad to hear about your grandfather. I'm sorry about the loss.

   She said, 'Sorry about the loss,' after our team was beaten in the final.

   He offered his condolences: 'I'm sorry about the loss of your job.'

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to express regret when someone has lost a contest or suffered a defeat.

   Grammar: Common in sports contexts; can be sincere or just polite.

   Patterns

   • sorry about the loss
   • sorry about the loss to someone

   Sorry about the loss to Chelsea last night.

   I heard you lost the chess match. Sorry about the loss.

   The coach said, 'Sorry about the loss, but you played well.'

Common combinations

I'm sorry about the loss

I'm sorry about the loss of your mother.

sorry about the loss of your

Sorry about the loss of your dog; he was a lovely pet.

so sorry about the loss

We are so sorry about the loss of your brother.

Synonyms and how they differ

my condolences

More formal and mainly used for a death; 'sorry about the loss' is more general and can be used for a game.

I'm sorry for your loss

Warmer and more personal for a death; 'sorry about the loss' can sound a little more casual or refer to other kinds of loss.

Commonly confused: sorry about the loss or sorry for the loss?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sorry about the loss”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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