Responding to bad news

Listen and respond to bad news.

Remember:

Present tense is: "That MUST BE awful for you"

Past tense is: "That MUST HAVE BEEN awful for you."

But be careful. Sometimes the bad news was past tense but the bad situation continues in the present.

Example:

"My terrible brother-in-law arrived for a long visit yesterday."

"That must be awful." (because the awful situation is continuing).

Practice speaking with your partner.

For example: I heard about your news. I'm so sorry to hear about your awful news. Martin told me about what happened. That must be very awful for you. You must be feeling terrible. Anytime you want to talk, just call me. If you ever need to talk to someone, you know where I am.

If there's anything I can do, just let me do.

Practice with your partner. Imagine your name is Barbara and your partner's name is Bobby.

-My pet gorilla passed away.

-Dinner last night was terrible.

-My girlfriend says "Marry me or goodbye."

-My teacher yelled at me because I was late again.

-I hate my job.

-My teacher said I have to go to level one next semester.

-My roommate and I don't like each other.

-I couldn't sleep because of my noisy neighbors.

-I'm scared of my roommate's cat!

-I'm homesick!

-I miss my mother's cooking!

-I regret getting my tattoo!

-It took me two hours to get to school. The subway ride was a nightmare.

-I never have any free time!

-I get depressed every time I look at my roommate's tattoo!

-I can't find American friends!

-My room mate never cleans his room!

-My best friend joined a gang!

-I want to change my hair color but my parents say no!

-My friend hates my new tattoo!

-I have insomnia!

-I can't sleep because I'm worried about global warming!

-I have no free time!

-I need a new job!

-I regret coming to New York!

Try some more (regret + V+ING)