What can I say to comfort a friend who has lost a loved one? (Need some suggestions)

[Tait-ka]

When a family member, close relative, or loved one of a friend passes away, and you visit your friend to offer condolences, what are some appropriate sentences you can say to express sympathy, comfort them, and help ease their sorrow?

One expression I believe is commonly used is:
“I’m sorry for your loss.”

Could you suggest some other natural and appropriate expressions that native speakers commonly use in this situation?

Thank you.

 

[emsr2d2]

"I'm sorry for your loss" is the kind of thing you see written in condolence cards (along with "My condolences"). However, I'd say that what you say entirely depends on how close a friend it is but generally the words "I'm [so] sorry" would feature in it somewhere. Sometimes, that's enough, along with a big hug!

Honestly, it's hard to suggest alternatives because everyone's different. For example, when my mum died, my best friend in the world came to see me, looked at me and just said "Well, this is all a bit sh*t, isn't it?!" It was absolutely perfect coming from her. She knows me better than probably anyone else and knew that I wouldn't be offended and that it might even make me smile. She was right.

You have to judge it on how well you know the person and perhaps whether or not you knew the deceased.

 

[PeterCW]

I often hear "I'm sorry for your loss" spoken by police officers in TV shows. As a result I find it rather formulaic and possibly lacking in sincerity. Expressing sympathy in writing is difficult but if you are doing it in person then it's the expression of feeling which matters rather than the actual words.