"My deepest condolences" is one of the most common things people write in a sympathy card. It is correct and respectful, but on its own it can feel a little formal. Adding one personal line makes it sound like you.
Below is how to use the phrase in a card, messages that start with "my deepest condolences," messages for a whole family, other ways to say it, formal wording for a client, and how to reply when someone says it to you.
Article contents
- What "My Deepest Condolences" Means
- How to Use It in a Card
- Messages That Start With "My Deepest Condolences"
- "My Deepest Condolences to You and Your Family" Messages
- Other Ways to Say "My Deepest Condolences"
- Formal Condolences for a Client or Business Contact
- How to Respond When Someone Says It
- Frequently Asked Questions
What "My Deepest Condolences" Means
Condolences are expressions of sympathy for someone who is grieving. "My deepest condolences" means "I am very sorry for your loss." It works for almost any loss and any relationship, from a close friend to a coworker or client.
How to Use It in a Card
- Open with the phrase. "My deepest condolences on the loss of your father."
- Add something personal. A memory, a quality you admired, or how the person touched your life.
- Offer support. "I am here if you need anything," or a specific offer like a meal.
- Close warmly. "With love," "With sympathy," or "Thinking of you."
Example: "My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad coached my son for three seasons, and he never missed a chance to encourage him. We are thinking of you. With sympathy, the Harris family"
Messages That Start With "My Deepest Condolences"
- My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. He was a good man, and I will miss him.
- My deepest condolences to you. Your mom was one of the kindest people I have ever met.
- My deepest condolences. I am thinking of you and I am here if you need anything.
- My deepest condolences on the passing of your husband. I am so sorry for your loss.
- My deepest condolences. Please know how much she was loved by everyone at church.
- My deepest condolences on the loss of your grandmother. I know how close you were.
- My deepest condolences. I will always remember his laugh and his stories.
- My deepest condolences. I wish I could be there with you, and I am keeping you in my thoughts.
"My Deepest Condolences to You and Your Family" Messages
- My deepest condolences to you and your family. We are all thinking of you.
- My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother.
- My deepest condolences to you and your family. Please let me know how I can help this week.
- My deepest condolences to you and your family. He will be missed by so many people.
- My deepest condolences to you and your family in this difficult time.
- My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry you are going through this.
Other Ways to Say "My Deepest Condolences"
If you want something less formal, any of these say the same thing.
- I was heartbroken to hear the news.
- Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
- Grieving with you.
- I was so sad to hear about your mom.
- Your family has been on my mind all week.
- My heart goes out to you.
- May the coming weeks bring you some peace.
- I am so sorry. He meant a lot to so many people.
- I am keeping you close in my heart.
- There is nothing I can say to fix this, but I am so sorry.
Formal Condolences for a Client or Business Contact
- Please accept our deepest condolences. We were very sorry to learn of your loss.
- On behalf of everyone at our office, please accept our sincere condolences.
- Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Please take all the time you need.
- We were saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
- All of us at the firm send our deepest condolences.
How to Respond When Someone Says It
You do not need to say much. "Thank you," "Thank you, that means a lot," or "Thank you for thinking of us" are all fine. If the note came in a card or with flowers, a short thank you card later is a kind gesture but not required right away. See our funeral thank you messages for wording.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it "condolence" or "condolences"?
Both are correct. "Condolences" is more common in cards: "My deepest condolences" or "Please accept my condolences."
Is "my deepest condolences" too formal for a friend?
It is fine, but for a close friend it helps to add something personal after it, or to write "I am so sorry" instead.
Can I text "my deepest condolences"?
A text is fine for a quick first message. A handwritten card afterward means more and is often kept.
For more ideas, see what to write in a sympathy card, short sympathy messages and grief quotes for sympathy cards, or use the Message Finder.
