Expressing Good News and Bad News

2nd Year Bac · Unit 8 · Functions

Learn how to share news with the right tone — and how to respond warmly, whatever the news is.

What this function covers

Sharing news well is about more than the facts — the words you choose set the tone. This lesson covers both sides: how to give good or bad news politely, and how to respond to news someone shares with you.

عن ماذا تتحدث هذه الوظيفة؟
مشاركة الخبر بشكل جيد لا تتعلق فقط بالحقائق — الكلمات التي تختارها تحدد النبرة. يغطي هذا الدرس الجانبين: كيف تُخبر بخبر سار أو سيء بأسلوب لائق، وكيف تتفاعل مع خبر يشاركه معك شخص آخر.

Giving good news

Useful phrases

I’ve got some good news for you…I’ve got a bit of good news to tell you…I’m really pleased to tell you…Great news for you…I’ve got some splendid news for you…

Example

I’ve got some wonderful news for you — the scholarship application was approved!

Giving bad news

Useful phrases

I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you…I’m sorry to have to say thisbut…I really don’t know how to say itbut…I really feel bad to have to say thisbut…

Example

I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you — the funding request was rejected.

💡 Good to know

Starting with “I’m afraid” or “I’m sorry to have to say this” softens the news and shows empathy before the difficult part comes.

Responding to news

Responding to good news

That’s wonderful!
That’s fantastic!
I’m so glad to hear that!
Wow, that sounds exciting!
Incredible!

Responding to bad news

I’m so sorry to hear that.
What a shame.
What a pity.
How awful!
I can’t believe it!

See it in a dialogue

The conversation

Rania: I’ve got some wonderful news for you! I got accepted into the exchange programme.
Hamza: That’s fantastic! I’m so glad to hear that!
Rania: Thanks! But I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news too — it starts the same week as my exams.
Hamza: Oh no, what a shame. I’m sorry to hear that.

What's happening

Gives good news.

Responds to good news.

Gives bad news.

Responds to bad news.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Watch out

❌ Responding to bad news with an excited tone: “That’s great!” → always match your response to the news.

❌ Giving bad news too bluntly with no softening: “You failed.” → ✅ “I’m sorry to have to say this, but the result wasn’t what we hoped for.”

❌ I’m please to tell you… → ✅ I’m pleased to tell you… (adjective, not verb)

✏️

Your turn — choose the correct response

1. Which phrase introduces GOOD news?
2. Which phrase introduces BAD news?
3. Choose a correct response to good news.
4. Choose a correct response to bad news.
5. Choose the correct sentence.
6. “What a pity” is used to respond to ___.
7. Starting bad news with “I’m afraid” helps to ___.
8. Choose the correct sentence.
9. Which response matches “I got the scholarship!”?
10. Which response matches “My application was rejected”?
11. Choose the correct sentence.
12. A good response should always ___ the tone of the news.

✏️ Your turn ✍️

Write short responses for each situation:

Tell a friend some good news: you won a school competition.
Tell a friend some bad news: your team’s event was cancelled.
Respond to a friend who tells you: “I just got into my dream university!”

Watch: Expressing Good News and Bad News

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Expressing Good News and Bad News — 2 Bac Functions