[Vocabulary] A telegram of condolence or condolences?

Status
Not open for further replies.

jiaruchan

Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2008
Member Type
Other
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
China
Current Location
China
Which is normal: condolence or condolences?

Thank you.
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
Which is normal: condolence or condolences?

Thank you.

It would be "a telegram of condolence", as far as I'm concerned. However, when sending it, you would be expressing your "condolences".
 

jiaruchan

Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2008
Member Type
Other
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
China
Current Location
China
It would be "a telegram of condolence", as far as I'm concerned. However, when sending it, you would be expressing your "condolences".

Thank you. I googled and found both are frequently used. Do you think one is more proper than the other?
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
Thank you. I googled and found both are frequently used. Do you think one is more proper than the other?

I would say that "condolence" is used more often if you are specifically referring to the telegram. Otherwise, "condolences" is the word!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top