# Speaking Patterns — Bad News

# === Opening / softening ===
1|opening|I have some {bad|disappointing|difficult|sad} news.
2|opening|I'm sorry to tell you {this|that|but}, {we lost the contract|she didn't make it|the trip is off}.
3|opening|This isn't going to be easy to hear, but {the offer fell through|we have to let you go|they said no}.
4|opening|I wish I had better news, but {it didn't work out|we have to cancel|the answer is no}.

# === Stating the news ===
5|stating|Unfortunately, {we can't proceed|the project is delayed|the answer is no|the offer was withdrawn}.
6|stating|I regret to inform you that {your application was rejected|the position has been filled|we're moving on}.
7|stating|It looks like {we won't be able to make it|the deal is off|we need to part ways}.

# === Responding to bad news ===
8|response|I'm so sorry to hear {that|about your loss|the news|what happened}.
9|response|That's {terrible|really tough|hard to take|heartbreaking}. I'm here if you need to talk.
10|response|Let me know if there's {anything I can do|any way I can help|something I can bring|a way to support you}.
