a flicker of pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flicker of pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or momentary feeling of compassion or sympathy towards someone or something. Example: "As she watched the struggling animal, she felt a flicker of pity for its plight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Just a flicker of pity – or was it contempt?

The Guardian - Opinion

When Max blows apart an aggressive robot, everything slips into slow motion, calm and hushed, and, with a flicker of pity in our amazement, we see the machine bloom into a thousand fragments, like the bursting TV set at the end of Antonioni's "Zabriskie Point".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were all in the minor key, grief-stricken but pared down, without a flicker of self-pity, and hearing them in that stark, cold sitting-room - made doubly forlorn by the flimsy Christmas decorations - made me listen in a different way.

The Guardian

Cindy McCain gave a flicker of a smirk.

The New Yorker

Was that a flicker of sadness?

The Washington Post

I catch a flicker of a grin.

The New York Times - Health

But there's a flicker of hope.

The Guardian

Yes, he said, with a flicker (just a flicker) of excitement — did I know it?

The New Yorker

There was a flicker of recognition.

The Guardian

There's a flicker of grey tongue".

The Guardian - Books

Nonetheless, some may have felt a flicker of satisfaction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flicker of pity" to subtly indicate a brief and often internal experience of compassion, rather than an overt display of emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "a flicker of pity" when a more intense or prolonged feeling of compassion is intended. Choose stronger words to convey deeper sympathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flicker of pity" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a brief or momentary sensation. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flicker of pity" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase denoting a brief feeling of compassion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember that it suggests a transient and subtle emotion. Consider stronger alternatives if a more profound sentiment is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a twinge of sympathy

Emphasizes a brief, often involuntary, feeling of sympathy.

a sudden surge of sympathy

Emphasizes the abruptness and intensity of the sympathetic feeling.

a moment of compassion

This phrase suggests a slightly stronger and more deliberate feeling of compassion than the original.

a spark of compassion

Highlights the potential for a greater feeling of compassion to develop.

a brief wave of compassion

Suggests an overwhelming feeling of compassion that quickly subsides.

a fleeting feeling of compassion

Highlights the transient nature of the compassionate feeling.

a touch of human kindness

Suggests a gentle and subtle expression of pity and understanding.

a short burst of tenderness

Emphasizes the gentle and caring nature of the fleeting pity.

a shadow of empathy

Implies a faint or incomplete experience of empathy.

a hint of remorse

Implies a slight feeling of regret or guilt mixed with pity.

FAQs

How can I use "a flicker of pity" in a sentence?

You can use "a flicker of pity" to describe a brief or subtle feeling of compassion. For example: "She felt "a flicker of pity" for the stray dog shivering in the rain."

What is a more intense alternative to "a flicker of pity"?

If you want to express a stronger feeling, consider using phrases like "deep compassion" or "overwhelming sympathy" instead of ""a flicker of pity"".

Is "a flicker of pity" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, ""a flicker of pity"" is suitable for formal writing, but be mindful of the subtlety it conveys. In some contexts, a more direct expression of sympathy might be preferred.

What's the difference between "a flicker of pity" and "a moment of sympathy"?

"A flicker of pity" suggests a very brief and subtle feeling, while "a moment of sympathy" implies a slightly more prolonged and conscious experience of shared feeling.