a compassion for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a compassion for' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when describing a strong feeling of understanding and sympathy for a particular person or group of people. For example, "She had a compassion for the homeless people she saw in her city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

His picture is coloured top to toe by a compassion for its characters.

The Guardian - Film

Buddhism in particular stresses a compassion for all living creatures, transcending the boundaries of species.

The New York Times

Temple's deepest feelings are for cattle; she feels a tenderness, a compassion for them that is akin to love.

The New Yorker

But unlike some of Moses' works, this can and should be done with a compassion for Brooklynites.

The New York Times

"He was very good, he was a legal scholar but, more importantly for my purposes, he had a compassion for people and understanding things".

The New York Times

He had a big vision for America's first suburban county, full of optimism, money in the bank, a passion for government and a compassion for people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He was a strict disciplinarian and an efficient business administrator, but he harbored a deep compassion for the poor.

The New York Times

His style was studiously cool, his detachment from his characters disguising a deeper compassion for their plight as victims of a hypocritical middle-class moralism.

The New York Times

Bound by a common language, the masses of Tamil Nadu felt a deep compassion for the struggle of Sri Lankan Tamils.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush said Mr. Clinton possessed a "deep and far-ranging knowledge of foreign policy" and a "great compassion for people in need".

The New York Times

Have a little compassion for your old friend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a compassion for" with more nuanced synonyms like "empathy", "understanding", or "sympathy" depending on the specific emotional tone you wish to convey.

Common error

While "a compassion for" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound sentimental. In formal or business contexts, opt for terms like "understanding" or "concern" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compassion for" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to express a strong feeling of empathy or understanding towards a person, group, or situation. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compassion for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express empathy and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while it's common across various sources, it's most frequently found in news and media. To enhance your writing, be specific about the recipient of compassion and consider nuanced synonyms based on the context. While acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sympathy for

Shares a similar meaning to compassion, but might imply a more emotional response to suffering.

a caring for

Emphasizes the act of providing care and support to someone.

a sensitivity for

Focuses on the awareness and responsiveness to someone's emotions or needs.

a understanding for

Stresses the ability to comprehend and appreciate someone's situation or feelings.

a concern for

Focuses on worry or interest in someone's well-being or a particular issue.

a kindness for

Highlights the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

a gentleness for

Replaces "compassion" with a softer, milder form of care and consideration.

a solidarity with

Highlights a sense of unity or agreement in feelings or actions with a group.

a pity for

Emphasizes sorrow or regret for someone's suffering or misfortune.

a charity for

Highlights the act of providing assistance or support, often financially, to those in need.

FAQs

How can I use "a compassion for" in a sentence?

You can use "a compassion for" to express a strong feeling of empathy or understanding towards someone or something. For example, "She felt "a compassion for" the refugees".

What are some alternatives to "a compassion for"?

Some alternatives to "a compassion for" include "a sympathy for", "an understanding of", or "a concern for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a compassion for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a compassion for" is a valid way to express feeling compassion towards someone or something.

What's the difference between "a sympathy for" and "a compassion for"?

"A sympathy for" typically implies feeling sorrow or pity for someone's misfortune, while ""a compassion for"" suggests a deeper understanding and empathy for their suffering.