Is ‘Sorry For Your Loss’ Too Trite?

Like a slalom skier, I tried to maneuver my cart quickly through the clogged Costco aisles. I rounded a corner sharply when I heard a soft voice say, “Hey, Cindy!” It was an acquaintance I hadn’t seen in awhile. The last I heard she was expecting her third child. “How are you?” I said, trying to be subtle as I looked at her winter-clad figure for signs of advanced pregnancy. “I’m OK,” she said. “But …” Her eyes filled with tears. “I had a miscarriage last month.” The words flew out of my mouth as I wrapped her in a hug, “Oh! I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry for your loss.” That same week a friend wrote on Facebook about trite phrases and words that lost their meaning. Someone mentioned, “I’m sorry for your loss,” as a trite phrase. Since I’d just uttered those words, I was troubled. Had I said the wrong thing?/ Cindy Hval , SR Front Porch. More here.

Question: Do you think “sorry for your loss” is a trite phrase? How do you express condolences?