Functional Expression : Showing Care

Common functional expressions used to show care i.e.

1. What's going on?

2. What's the matter?

3. What's up?

4. Why the long face?

5. Is something wrong?

6. How is he/she doing?, etc.

Study the following dialogues!

A: "Hi Jackie. You don't look too well. What's going on?"
B: "It's nothing. I'm just a little stressed out."
A: "Why? What's stressing you out?"
B: "School. Since I was working part time, I had a difficult time keeping up with class. Now that we have exams coming up, I'm totally freaking out."
A: "The best thing to do is study as much as you can. I'm sure you'll do alright."
B: "I hope so. I guess I won't be sleeping for the next 3 days. That's what it'll take."
A: "I have to study for an exam too. Why don't we study together. We can encourage each other."
B: "That will be great."

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A: "Jared, I just heard about your father. How is he doing?"
B: "He's in the hospital resting. The doctor's didn't give a clear answer yet."
A: "I'm so sorry to hear that. But this is a good hospital. I'm sure they will do whatever they can."
B: "I hope so."
A: "You must feel really worried right now. But you know your dad is a fighter."
B: "Yeah. I think my mom is the most worried. I'm basically worried about how she is doing."
A: "Where is she right now?"
B: "She's in the hospital with my dad. I have to go back tonight."
A: "Hey, I'll go with you."
B: "You don't have to."
A: "It's really no problem."
B: "Ok. Let's go right after dinner."

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A: "You don't look too well. What's going on?"
B: "I just lost my job. I'm just worried about how I'm going to pay the bills."
A: "I'm sorry to hear that. Have you been looking for another job?"
B: "I just started, but the job market is very bad right now. I'm not optimistic about it."
A: "That's tough. What does your wife think about this?"
B: "She's trying to be supportive, but I can tell she is very worried about our financial situation as well."
A: "I have some friends who might be able to help you find a job. I'll see what they can do."
B: "I really appreciate your help."
A: "No problem. In the meantime, don't try to worry so much. You'll get through this."

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A: "Mike, did you win the lottery or something? Why the big smile?"
B: "I'm so relieved. I just passed the bar exam."
A: "You did? That's great! You must be very happy now?"
B: "That's an understatement. I'm on cloud nine. I couldn't be any happier."
A: "Did you tell your parents yet?"
B: "Not yet. I didn't get a hold of them. I'll try to call them again tonight."
A: "They're probably going to be so happy."
B: "I think so. It's turning out to be a great day."