Other Ways to Say “I Hope You Feel Better”: A Grammar Guide
Expressing concern for someone’s well-being is a fundamental aspect of human interaction. While “I hope you feel better” is a common and well-understood phrase, English offers a rich variety of alternative expressions that can convey nuanced emotions and levels of formality. Mastering these alternatives not only enhances your communication skills but also allows you to express empathy more effectively. This article provides a comprehensive guide to various ways to say “I hope you feel better,” exploring their grammatical structures, appropriate contexts, and subtle differences in meaning. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced English learner, this guide will equip you with the language tools to offer comfort and support in diverse situations.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Context
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Expressions
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
The ability to express sympathy and concern for others is a crucial social skill. Saying “I hope you feel better” is a simple yet effective way to show that you care. However, relying solely on this phrase can become monotonous and may not always convey the specific sentiment you intend. This article delves into a variety of alternative expressions, providing you with the vocabulary and grammatical understanding to communicate your well-wishes more effectively and appropriately. By exploring formal, informal, empathetic, and encouraging expressions, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how to offer support and comfort in different contexts. Learning these nuances will allow you to connect with others on a deeper level and demonstrate genuine care for their well-being.
Definition and Context
The phrase “I hope you feel better” is an expression of sympathy and well-wishing directed towards someone who is experiencing illness, injury, or emotional distress. It falls under the broader category of expressions of goodwill, which aim to offer comfort, support, and encouragement to others. Grammatically, it’s a simple declarative sentence containing a subject (“I”), a verb (“hope”), and a subordinate clause (“you feel better”). The subordinate clause functions as the direct object of the verb “hope.”
The function of this phrase is primarily phatic, meaning it serves to establish or maintain social relationships by conveying a sense of care and concern. It also carries an element of expressive function, as it communicates the speaker’s personal feelings of sympathy. The context in which this phrase is used can vary widely, ranging from formal settings like professional emails to informal conversations with friends and family. However, it is generally appropriate in any situation where someone is known to be unwell or experiencing difficulties.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of “I hope you feel better” can be broken down into the following components:
- Subject: “I” (the speaker)
- Verb: “hope” (expressing the speaker’s desire)
- Subordinate Clause: “you feel better” (the object of the speaker’s hope)
The subordinate clause “you feel better” consists of:
- Subject: “you” (the person being addressed)
- Verb: “feel” (expressing a state of being)
- Adjective: “better” (describing the improved state of being)
This structure can be modified to create alternative expressions. For example, you can change the verb (“hope”) to a synonym like “wish,” or you can alter the subordinate clause to be more specific about the nature of the person’s ailment or the desired outcome. You can also add introductory phrases to express additional emotions or intentions, such as “I’m so sorry to hear that, and…” or “Thinking of you and…”. These variations allow for greater nuance and personalization in your expressions of sympathy.
Types and Categories of Expressions
Alternative expressions for “I hope you feel better” can be categorized based on their level of formality, the specific emotions they convey, and their grammatical structure. Here’s a breakdown of some key categories:
Formal Expressions
These expressions are suitable for professional settings, interactions with superiors, or situations where a degree of distance is maintained. They often employ more sophisticated vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Informal Expressions
These expressions are appropriate for close friends, family members, and casual acquaintances. They tend to be more relaxed and conversational in tone.
Empathetic Expressions
These expressions focus on acknowledging and sharing the other person’s feelings. They convey a sense of understanding and compassion.
Encouraging Expressions
These expressions aim to uplift the other person’s spirits and promote a positive outlook. They often emphasize resilience and recovery.
Conditional Expressions
These expressions use conditional clauses to express a wish for the person’s recovery, often implying a hypothetical scenario where they are already feeling better.
Examples
The following tables provide a variety of alternative expressions for “I hope you feel better,” categorized by type. Each example is designed to illustrate the specific nuance and context of each expression.
Formal Examples
This table contains formal alternatives to “I hope you feel better.” These are suitable for professional settings or when addressing someone with respect.
| Expression | Context |
|---|---|
| “I trust you will make a swift recovery.” | Email to a colleague who is on sick leave. |
| “Please accept my sincere wishes for your prompt recuperation.” | Formal letter to a client who has experienced an illness. |
| “I am very sorry to hear of your illness and hope for your speedy recovery.” | Speaking to a superior who has taken time off work. |
| “I extend my best wishes for your health and well-being.” | Formal card to a business associate. |
| “It was with great regret that I learned of your condition. I hope you are back to full health soon.” | Email to a professor who is unwell. |
| “I hope you experience a quick and complete recovery.” | Formal note to a patient from a healthcare professional. |
| “My thoughts are with you as you recover. I wish you all the best.” | Email to a business partner who is ill. |
| “I hope you are receiving the best possible care and are on the mend.” | Formal letter to an acquaintance in the hospital. |
| “I trust that you will soon be feeling like yourself again.” | Email follow-up after hearing about someone’s illness. |
| “Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing you a full and speedy recovery.” | Formal message to a distant relative who is unwell. |
| “We are all thinking of you and sending our best wishes for a quick return to good health.” | Group email from a company to an employee on sick leave. |
| “I hope that you are resting comfortably and recovering well.” | Formal note sent after a surgery. |
| “I sincerely hope for a positive turn in your health.” | Email to a client who is facing a health challenge. |
| “Wishing you strength and a return to good health in the near future.” | Formal letter expressing support. |
| “May your recovery be smooth and untroubled.” | Formal card to someone recovering from an accident. |
| “I am sending my best regards and hoping for your swift convalescence.” | Formal email to a senior colleague. |
| “I hope you find comfort and strength during this time of recovery.” | Formal message expressing empathy. |
| “I am confident that you will overcome this health challenge and return stronger.” | Formal encouragement sent to a business leader. |
| “I wish you a steady and uninterrupted path to wellness.” | Formal note to a patient. |
| “Please accept my heartfelt wishes for your complete and rapid recovery.” | Formal letter expressing deep concern. |
| “It is my sincere hope that you are regaining your strength daily.” | Formal email to someone post-surgery. |
| “I am thinking of you and wishing you a return to your usual vibrant self.” | Formal message to a colleague. |
| “I trust you are receiving excellent care and progressing well.” | Formal note to someone in a care facility. |
| “Wishing you all the best in your journey back to full health.” | Formal card expressing support. |
Informal Examples
This table contains informal alternatives to “I hope you feel better.” These are suitable for friends, family, and close acquaintances.
| Expression | Context |
|---|---|
| “Hope you’re feeling better soon!” | Text message to a friend. |
| “Get well soon!” | Casual conversation with a family member. |
| “Thinking of you and hoping you feel better.” | Email to a close friend. |
| “Feel better, okay?” | Leaving a voicemail for a friend. |
| “Hope you bounce back quickly!” | Chatting with a coworker you’re friendly with. |
| “Take it easy and get some rest!” | Telling a sibling to relax. |
| “Sending good vibes your way!” | Social media message to a friend. |
| “Hope you’re on the mend!” | Informal conversation with a neighbor. |
| “Wishing you a speedy recovery!” | Text to a classmate. |
| “Take care and feel better!” | Signing off an email to a friend. |
| “Hope you’re back on your feet in no time!” | Speaking to a child who is sick. |
| “Get some rest and feel better!” | Message to a roommate. |
| “Hope you’re feeling a bit brighter today!” | Text message to a friend who has been down. |
| “Sending you lots of love and hoping you feel better soon.” | Email to a family member who is unwell. |
| “Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you and hope you’re feeling better!” | Casual message to a friend. |
| “Hang in there! Hope you feel better soon.” | Supportive text to a friend going through a tough time. |
| “Take it easy and get well!” | Friendly advice to a coworker. |
| “Hope you’re feeling better than yesterday!” | Encouraging message to a friend. |
| “Sending positive thoughts and hoping you feel better quickly!” | Message expressing care and support. |
| “Feel better soon, buddy!” | Casual reassurance to a male friend. |
| “Hope you’re taking good care of yourself and feeling better!” | Caring message to a friend. |
| “Just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and hoping you feel better!” | Supportive message to a close friend. |
| “Hope you’re resting up and feeling better!” | Message encouraging rest and recovery. |
| “Get well soon! Miss you!” | Affectionate message to someone you miss. |
| “Take care, friend. Hope you’re feeling better!” | Friendly message expressing concern. |
Empathetic Examples
This table provides empathetic alternatives to “I hope you feel better.” These expressions show understanding and compassion for the person’s situation.
| Expression | Context |
|---|---|
| “I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I hope you feel better soon.” | Offering comfort to a friend facing a difficult situation. |
| “That sounds really tough. I hope you start to feel better soon.” | Acknowledging the difficulty of someone’s illness. |
| “I can only imagine how you must be feeling. I hope you feel better.” | Expressing empathy for someone’s pain. |
| “It’s awful that you’re not feeling well. I hope you get better quickly.” | Expressing sympathy for someone’s discomfort. |
| “I’m really sorry to hear that you’re struggling. I hope things improve soon.” | Offering support to someone facing challenges. |
| “I feel for you. I hope you feel better as soon as possible.” | Expressing deep sympathy and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “I can’t imagine how painful that must be. Wishing you a speedy recovery.” | Acknowledging someone’s pain and offering support. |
| “I’m so sorry to hear you’re not feeling yourself. Take care and feel better.” | Expressing concern and wishing for self-care and recovery. |
| “I’m thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. Hope you feel better soon.” | Offering emotional support and positive energy for recovery. |
| “I understand this must be difficult. I hope you start feeling better each day.” | Expressing understanding and wishing for gradual improvement. |
| “It breaks my heart to see you unwell. I hope you recover soon.” | Expressing heartfelt sympathy and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Remember to take care of yourself and feel better.” | Offering sympathy and reminding the person to prioritize self-care. |
| “I know it’s tough, but I’m here for you. I hope you feel better soon.” | Offering support and availability during a difficult time. |
| “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Take all the time you need to recover.” | Expressing concern and allowing ample time for recovery. |
| “I can only imagine how uncomfortable you must be. I hope you find relief soon.” | Acknowledging discomfort and wishing for quick relief. |
| “I’m truly sorry to hear about what you’re going through. I hope you find strength and feel better soon.” | Expressing deep sympathy and wishing for strength and recovery. |
| “I feel terrible that you’re not well. Take things one day at a time and feel better.” | Expressing concern and encouraging a gradual recovery approach. |
| “I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. Remember that you’re not alone, and I hope you feel better soon.” | Offering support and reminding the person they are not alone. |
| “I understand how frustrating this must be. Hoping for a swift and complete recovery.” | Acknowledging frustration and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “I’m sending you all my positive thoughts and hoping you start to feel better soon.” | Offering positive energy and wishing for improvement. |
| “I can see how much this is affecting you. Take it easy and hope you feel better soon.” | Acknowledging the impact of the situation and urging rest. |
| “I’m deeply sorry you’re unwell. Remember to prioritize your well-being and feel better.” | Expressing deep concern and reminding the person to focus on self-care. |
| “I’m thinking of you and sending you strength to get through this. Hope you feel better soon.” | Offering strength and support to overcome the situation. |
| “I wish there was more I could do. Just know that I’m here for you, and I hope you feel better soon.” | Offering support and expressing availability to help. |
| “I’m so sorry you’re facing this challenge. Take care of yourself and know that I’m hoping for your recovery.” | Expressing concern and wishing for recovery while emphasizing self-care. |
Encouraging Examples
This table provides encouraging alternatives to “I hope you feel better.” These expressions aim to uplift the person’s spirits and promote a positive outlook.
| Expression | Context |
|---|---|
| “I know you’re strong, and you’ll get through this. Hope you feel better soon!” | Encouraging a friend to stay positive during an illness. |
| “You’ve overcome challenges before, and you’ll overcome this too. Feel better!” | Reminding someone of their past resilience. |
| “Sending you lots of positive energy. Hope you bounce back quickly!” | Offering encouragement and wishing for a fast recovery. |
| “I’m sure you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time. Get well soon!” | Expressing confidence in someone’s recovery. |
| “Keep your spirits up! I’m sure you’ll be back on your feet soon. Hope you feel better!” | Encouraging optimism and wishing for a quick return to normalcy. |
| “Remember to stay positive and focus on getting better. Wishing you a speedy recovery!” | Encouraging a positive mindset and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “You’re a fighter, and I know you’ll get through this. Hope you feel better with each passing day.” | Reminding someone of their strength and wishing for daily improvement. |
| “Sending you all my support and encouragement. I hope you feel better soon and stronger than ever!” | Offering support and wishing for a full and robust recovery. |
| “I believe in you! You’ve got this. Wishing you a quick and full recovery!” | Expressing belief in someone’s ability to recover. |
| “Stay strong and keep looking forward. I hope you feel better and brighter each day!” | Encouraging strength and optimism and wishing for daily improvement. |
| “You’re resilient, and you’ll come out of this even stronger. Hoping you feel better soon!” | Acknowledging resilience and wishing for a quick recovery and increased strength. |
| “Remember to take it one day at a time and stay positive. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery!” | Encouraging patience and optimism and wishing for a complete recovery. |
| “You’re a warrior, and you’ll conquer this. Hope you feel better with every breath you take!” | Reminding someone of their strength and wishing for improvement with each breath. |
| “I know you’ve got the strength to get through this. Sending positive vibes and hoping you feel better soon!” | Expressing confidence in someone’s strength and offering positive energy. |
| “Stay focused on your recovery and know that better days are ahead. Wishing you a quick return to health!” | Encouraging focus and optimism and wishing for a quick return to health. |
| “You’re tougher than you think, and you’ll bounce back. Hope you feel better soon and stronger than ever!” | Reminding someone of their inner strength and wishing for a robust recovery. |
| “Keep your head up and remember that this is just a temporary setback. Wishing you a speedy recovery!” | Encouraging optimism and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “You’re doing great! Keep up the good work and hope you feel better and stronger each day!” | Offering encouragement and wishing for daily improvement. |
| “Remember that every day is a step closer to feeling better. Wishing you a quick and complete recovery!” | Encouraging patience and optimism and wishing for a complete recovery. |
| “You’ve got the strength within you to heal. Hope you feel better soon and come back even stronger!” | Expressing confidence in someone’s inner strength and wishing for a robust recovery. |
| “Stay positive and know that brighter days are coming. Wishing you a return to vibrant health!” | Encouraging optimism and wishing for a return to vibrant health. |
| “You’re an inspiration, and you’ll get through this with grace. Hope you feel better with each moment!” | Recognizing someone’s inspiring qualities and wishing for constant improvement. |
| “Keep your chin up and remember that you’re surrounded by support. Hoping you feel better soon and stronger!” | Encouraging optimism and emphasizing support. |
| “You’re a survivor, and this is just another chapter. Wishing you a quick and full recovery!” | Acknowledging someone’s resilience and wishing for a complete recovery. |
| “Stay strong and know that you’re not alone in this. Sending positive vibes and hoping you feel better soon!” | Encouraging strength and emphasizing support while offering positive energy. |
Conditional Examples
This table provides conditional alternatives to “I hope you feel better.” These expressions use conditional clauses to express a wish for the person’s recovery.
| Expression | Context |
|---|---|
| “If there’s anything I can do to help you feel better, please let me know.” | Offering assistance to someone who is unwell. |
| “I’d be so happy if you started feeling better soon.” | Expressing a strong desire for someone’s recovery. |
| “It would be wonderful if you could get some rest and start feeling better.” | Suggesting rest as a means to recovery. |
| “If you need anything at all while you’re recovering, don’t hesitate to ask.” | Offering support during recovery. |
| “I wish I could wave a magic wand and make you feel better instantly.” | Expressing a desire to alleviate someone’s suffering. |
| “If I could take away your pain, I would in a heartbeat. Hope you feel better soon.” | Offering to alleviate pain and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “It would make my day to hear that you’re feeling better. Take care!” | Expressing a desire to hear about improvement and wishing well. |
| “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here. Hope you start to feel better soon.” | Offering emotional support and wishing for improvement. |
| “I wish I had the power to heal you. Get well soon!” | Expressing a desire to heal and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “If you could just focus on resting and recovering, I’m sure you’d feel better in no time.” | Suggesting rest as a means to facilitate recovery. |
| “I’d be thrilled if you told me you were feeling better. Take it easy!” | Expressing a desire to hear about improvement and urging rest. |
| “If you want some company while you’re resting, let me know. Hope you feel better soon.” | Offering companionship and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “I wish I could bring you some sunshine to help you feel better.” | Expressing a desire to brighten someone’s spirits. |
| “If there’s anything at all that would make you more comfortable, please tell me. Hope you feel better!” | Offering assistance to ensure comfort and recovery. |
| “I’d be over the moon if you started feeling like your old self again soon.” | Expressing a strong desire for a return to normalcy. |
| “If you need anything – a meal, a chat, anything – just say the word. Hope you feel better soon!” | Offering comprehensive support and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “I wish I knew the secret to making you feel better. Wishing you a speedy recovery!” | Expressing a desire to help and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “If you need a distraction or a laugh, I’m here with some funny stories. Hope you feel better!” | Offering entertainment and wishing for improvement. |
| “I’d be so relieved to hear that you’re on the mend. Take good care of yourself!” | Expressing a desire to hear about progress and urging self-care. |
| “If you want to talk about it, I’m all ears. Hope you start feeling better with each passing day!” | Offering a listening ear and wishing for daily improvement. |
| “I wish I could take away all your discomfort. Get well soon and take things easy!” | Expressing a desire to alleviate discomfort and urging rest. |
| “If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Hope you feel better in no time!” | Offering comprehensive support and wishing for a quick recovery. |
| “I’d be so happy if you started feeling like yourself again. Rest up and take care!” | Expressing a desire for a return to normalcy and urging rest and self-care. |
| “If you want some company or a helping hand, I’m available. Hope you feel better with each day!” | Offering companionship and assistance while wishing for daily improvement. |
| “I wish I could make all your worries and discomfort disappear. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery!” | Expressing a desire to alleviate suffering and wishing for a complete recovery. |
Usage Rules
When choosing an alternative expression for “I hope you feel better,” it’s important to consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Here are some general usage rules:
- Formality: Use formal expressions in professional settings or when addressing superiors. Opt for informal expressions with friends, family, and close acquaintances.
- Specificity: Tailor your expression to the specific situation. If you know the cause of the person’s ailment, you can mention it specifically.
- Sincerity: Ensure that your expression is genuine and heartfelt. Avoid using clichés or phrases that sound insincere.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences in expressing sympathy. Some cultures may have specific customs or traditions related to illness and recovery.
- Tone: Match your tone to the situation. While encouragement is good, avoid being overly optimistic if the person is facing a serious situation.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternative expressions for “I hope you feel better”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “I hope you will feel well.” | “I hope you feel better.” | “Well” is an adverb, while “better” is an adjective describing the state of feeling. |
| “Wishing you to feel good.” | “Wishing you well.” or “Wishing you a speedy recovery.” | “Wishing you to feel good” is grammatically awkward. |
| “Get well soonly.” | “Get well soon.” | “Soonly” is not a word. The correct adverb is “soon.” |
| “Hope you are better.” | “I hope you are better.” | Missing the subject “I” makes the sentence incomplete. |
| “Feel good soon.” | “Feel better soon.” | “Good” is an adjective, while “better” is an adjective comparing to the current state. |
| “I wish you a fast recover.” | “I wish you a fast recovery.” | “Recover” is a verb, while “recovery” is the noun form needed. |
| “Hope you will be feeling good.” | “I hope you feel better.” | The future continuous tense is unnecessary and makes the sentence sound awkward. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of alternative expressions for “I hope you feel better” with these practice exercises.
Question: Rewrite the sentence “I hope you feel better” using a more formal expression.
Answer: I trust you will make a swift recovery.
Question: Rewrite the sentence “I hope you feel better” using a more informal expression.
Answer: Get well soon!
Question: Rewrite the sentence “I hope you feel better” using an empathetic expression.
Answer: I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I hope you feel better soon.
Question: Rewrite the sentence “I hope you feel better” using an encouraging expression.
Answer: I know you’re strong, and you’ll get through this. Hope you feel better soon!
Question: Rewrite the sentence “I hope you feel better” using a conditional expression.
Answer: If there’s anything I can do to help you feel better, please let me know.
Question: Choose the most appropriate expression for an email to your boss who is out sick: A) “Feel better!” B) “I hope you feel better.” C) “I trust you will make a swift recovery.”
Answer: C) “I trust you will make a swift recovery.”
Question: Choose the most appropriate expression for a text message to a close friend who has a cold: A) “Please accept my sincere wishes for your prompt recuperation.” B) “Hope you’re feeling better soon!” C) “I am very sorry to hear of your illness and hope for your speedy recovery.”
Answer: B) “Hope you’re feeling better soon!”
Question: Fill in the blank with an appropriate word: “I wish you a speedy _______.”
Answer: recovery
Question: Correct the following sentence: “Hope
you will feel well.”
Answer: I hope you feel better.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring these related topics to further enhance your understanding and communication skills:
- Idiomatic Expressions: Investigate idiomatic expressions related to health and recovery, such as “under the weather,” “back on one’s feet,” and “hale and hearty.”
- Cultural Nuances: Research cultural variations in expressing sympathy and offering support. Different cultures may have unique customs and traditions related to illness and recovery.
- Emotional Intelligence: Develop your emotional intelligence to better understand and respond to the emotional needs of others. This will enable you to offer more meaningful and effective support.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, to convey sincerity and empathy when expressing sympathy.
- Figurative Language: Learn how metaphors and similes can add depth and emotion to your expressions of sympathy.
FAQ
Is it ever inappropriate to say “I hope you feel better”?
In most situations, it is appropriate to say “I hope you feel better.” However, it may be less suitable in situations where someone is dealing with a chronic or terminal illness, as it may sound dismissive of their ongoing struggles. In such cases, it may be more appropriate to offer general support and express your willingness to listen and help.
What if I don’t know the person very well?
If you don’t know the person very well, it’s best to err on the side of formality. A simple and sincere “I hope you feel better soon” is generally appropriate. You can also add a polite inquiry about their well-being, such as “I heard you weren’t feeling well. I hope you’re recovering.”
How can I make my expression of sympathy more personal?
To make your expression of sympathy more personal, try to tailor it to the specific situation and your relationship with the person. Mention something specific that you know about their ailment or express your concern for their well-being in a way that reflects your unique connection. For example, if you know they enjoy a particular hobby, you could say, “I hope you’re back to [hobby] soon!”
What should I say if someone tells me they are feeling better?
If someone tells you they are feeling better, you can respond with phrases like: “That’s great to hear!” “I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling better.” or “That’s wonderful news!” You can also offer continued support by saying, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you continue to recover.”
Is it okay to offer advice?
Offering unsolicited advice can sometimes be perceived as insensitive. Unless the person specifically asks for your advice, it’s generally best to focus on offering support and expressing your concern. If you do offer advice, make sure it’s relevant, helpful, and delivered with empathy.
Conclusion
Mastering alternative expressions for “I hope you feel better” is a valuable skill that enhances your communication abilities and allows you to offer more meaningful support to others. By understanding the nuances of formality, empathy, and encouragement, you can tailor your expressions to fit specific situations and relationships. Remember to consider the context, be sincere, and be mindful of cultural differences. With practice and attention to detail, you can effectively convey your care and concern for others in a way that is both comforting and impactful. So, the next time someone is feeling under the weather, you’ll be well-equipped to offer a thoughtful and heartfelt message that truly makes a difference.
