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Sympathy messages

Short condolence messages

A short condolence message can be one sentence, as long as it is sincere. Name the person if you can, add one warm word about them or the person grieving, and sign your name. Short is right for a card signed by many, a text, a comment online or someone you do not know well.

Updated

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On this page

The examples on this page were written for TributePen. The people, names and details in them are invented: use them as a starting point, never as someone's real story.

How to make one line personal

Take any line below and change one thing: use the name of the person who died, or add a detail only you know. "Sorry for your loss" becomes "I'm so sorry about Rick. The office won't be the same without his jokes."

For a card

Card 1

simple

I'm so sorry. Thinking of you and your family with love.

For a card, anyone · 11 words · 56 characters
Why it works: simple and warm. Make it yours: add the name of the person who died.

Card 2

simple

Remembering Helen with you today. She was one of a kind.

For a card, with the person's name · 11 words · 56 characters
Why it works: "remembering with you" joins the grief rather than observing it. Make it yours: replace "one of a kind" with a word that fits her.

Card 3

warm

There are no right words, only lots of love. I'm here, always.

For a card, a close relationship · 12 words · 62 characters
Why it works: honest about words failing. Make it yours: only if you truly will be there.

Card 4

simple

With deepest sympathy on the loss of your father.

For a card, formal · 9 words · 49 characters
Why it works: correct for an acquaintance or a business contact. Make it yours: add your full name.

Card 5

warm

I'll always remember your mom's laugh. Sending you so much love.

For a card, memory · 11 words · 64 characters
Why it works: one memory, one line. Make it yours: the laugh, the cooking, the handshake: whatever you remember.

For a text message

Text 1

simple

Just heard about your grandpa. I'm so sorry. No need to reply, just thinking of you.

For a text to a friend · 16 words · 84 characters
Why it works: "no need to reply" removes pressure. Make it yours: keep it; grieving people receive dozens of messages.

Text 2

simple

I'm so sorry about your dad. I'm at the store tomorrow, what can I pick up for you?

For a text with an offer · 18 words · 83 characters
Why it works: a concrete, easy offer. Make it yours: offer an errand you will really run.

Text 3

simple

So sorry to hear about your mom, Jen. Take all the time you need. We've got you covered.

For a text to a coworker · 18 words · 88 characters
Why it works: kind and practical for a colleague. Make it yours: only if work really is covered.

Text 4

simple

Thinking about you today. How are you really doing?

For a text a few weeks later · 9 words · 51 characters
Why it works: "really" invites an honest answer. Make it yours: send it on a hard day: a birthday, a holiday, a month after.

For a social media comment

Comment 1

simple

So sorry, Mike. Your dad was a great man. Thinking of you all.

For a public comment · 13 words · 62 characters
Why it works: short and public-appropriate. Make it yours: add a private message if you are close.

Comment 2

simple

Sending love to you and your family, Sarah.

For a public comment, did not know the person · 8 words · 43 characters
Why it works: focuses on the living when you did not know the person. Make it yours: use their name.

Comment 3

simple

Mrs. Hall was my third-grade teacher and the reason I love books. My deepest sympathy to her family.

For a public comment, with a memory · 18 words · 100 characters
Why it works: families treasure knowing the reach of a life. Make it yours: say what they did for you.

With faith

Faith 1

simple, Christian

Praying for peace and comfort for your family.

For a card between believers · 8 words · 46 characters
Why it works: gentle and common. Make it yours: for people who share your faith.

Faith 2

simple, Jewish

May his memory be a blessing. Thinking of you all.

For a card to a Jewish family · 10 words · 50 characters
Why it works: a traditional Jewish expression of sympathy. Make it yours: "May her memory be a blessing" for a woman.

Faith 3

simple

Holding you in the light, and in my heart.

For a card, spiritual but not religious · 9 words · 42 characters
Why it works: spiritual without a specific tradition. Make it yours: use only if it is how you speak.

Lines to skip

"It was God's plan," "Everything happens for a reason," "At least she's not suffering," and "I know how you feel" often hurt more than they help. When in doubt, "I'm so sorry" is always enough.

For longer wording and sign-offs, see what to write in a sympathy card.

Common questions

What is a short condolence message?

One or two sentences such as "I'm so sorry about your dad. Thinking of you and your family." Add the person's name and a single warm detail if you can.

Is it okay to send condolences by text?

Yes, for friends and colleagues who text with you normally, especially at first. Follow up with a card or a call later if you are close.

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