Sharing the News with Family

Anita and Vikram call their parents to share the happy news of the pregnancy, and everyone reacts with joy and excitement.

Meanings in Anita, Vikram, Both sets of parents

Key words and phrases

share the newsto tell others about something importantThey decided to share the news with the family first.

overjoyedextremely happyGrandmother was overjoyed to hear the news.

grandchildthe child of one's son or daughterThis will be their first grandchild.

blessingsgood wishes for happiness and successEveryone sent their blessings over the phone.

excitedfeeling great enthusiasmThe whole family was excited about the baby.

surprise announcementunexpected news shared with othersIt was a lovely surprise announcement for everyone.

proudfeeling deep satisfaction from an achievementVikram's father felt very proud.

video calla call where people can see and hear each otherThey made a video call to share the news.

tears of joycrying because of happinessAnita's mother had tears of joy in her eyes.

celebrateto do something enjoyable to mark a special occasionThey planned to celebrate with a small family dinner.

congratulateto praise someone for an achievement or happy eventEveryone rushed to congratulate the couple.

well-wisheskind words expressing hope for someone's happinessTheir friends sent warm well-wishes on the phone.

in-lawsthe family of one's spouseHer in-laws were thrilled about the pregnancy.

siblinga brother or sisterVikram called his sibling right after his parents.

delightedfeeling great pleasure and satisfactionAnita's sister was delighted to hear the news.

speechlessunable to speak due to strong emotionHer father was speechless with happiness for a moment.

cousinsthe children of one's aunt or uncleAll her cousins wanted to join the video call.

extended familyrelatives beyond parents and siblings, like aunts and grandparentsTheir extended family gathered to celebrate the news.

share happinessto let others feel joy along with youThey wanted to share happiness with everyone close to them.

spread the wordto tell many people about somethingGrandmother wanted to spread the word to the whole neighbourhood.

Useful sentences

Ask Should we call and tell them, or surprise them in person?
Answer Let's do a video call, everyone can react together.
Ask How did your parents react to the news?
Answer They were overjoyed and couldn't stop smiling.
Ask Is this their first grandchild?
Answer Yes, everyone is very excited about it.
Ask Did anyone cry with happiness?
Answer Yes, Anita's mother did.
Ask How should we celebrate this news?
Answer Let's plan a small family dinner this weekend.
Ask Did you call your in-laws as well?
Answer Yes, they sent their warmest well-wishes.
Ask How did your sibling react to the news?
Answer She was delighted and started planning a baby shower already.
Ask Was anyone completely speechless when they heard?
Answer Yes, Vikram's father was speechless for a moment.
Ask Will the whole extended family gather to celebrate?
Answer Yes, cousins and everyone are coming this weekend.
Ask Did your father congratulate you right away?
Answer Yes, he called us to congratulate us immediately.

Dialogue

VikramMom, Dad, we have some wonderful news for you.

AnitaWe're expecting our first baby!

Vikram's MotherOh, that's the best news! I'm so overjoyed!

Vikram's FatherCongratulations to both of you, we are so proud.

AnitaThank you so much, your blessings mean everything.

Vikram's MotherI can't wait to meet my first grandchild!

VikramWe should call your sibling and the rest of the extended family too, Anita.

AnitaYes, let's spread the word to everyone this evening.

Vikram's FatherI'll congratulate everyone myself when they call. This is such a happy day.

AnitaIt truly is. We just want to share happiness with everyone we love.

Common mistakes

Saying "we are pregnant" when only one partner is expecting — say "we are expecting a baby" instead.
Saying "give the news" instead of "share the news" or "break the news."
Saying "they were very proud on us" instead of "they were very proud of us."
Saying "my husband's mother" repeatedly instead of using "my mother-in-law," the standard term for in-laws.
Saying "I was speechless of happiness" instead of "I was speechless with happiness" (use "with," not "of").
Saying "tell to everyone" instead of "tell everyone" or "spread the word to everyone" (don't add "to" after "tell").

Quick quiz

1. What does "overjoyed" mean?

2. The child of one's son or daughter is called a ___.

3. Complete: "Everyone sent their ___ over the phone."

4. What do you call the family of one's spouse?

5. What does "speechless" mean?

6. Complete: "They wanted to ___ the word to the whole neighbourhood."

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