Grammar fix
I'm sorry to hear that.
polite sympathy
A polite way to show that you feel bad about someone's bad news or difficult experience.
expression
How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I'm sorry to hear that your father has been in hospital.
When my neighbour told me her dog had died, I just said 'I'm so sorry to hear that' and asked if she wanted to come in for a cup of tea.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I'm sorry to listen that.
Say: I'm sorry to hear that.
Use 'hear' for news or information; 'listen' is not used in this sympathy expression.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Show sympathy for someone's bad news
How formal?Very casualPolite
That sucks.Very informal sympathy, especially between friends.that's roughCasual sympathy for someone's difficult experience.
I'm sorry to hear that.You're here · A polite, widely suitable response to someone's bad news.