a source of pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that evokes feelings of compassion or sorrow in others. Example: "The abandoned puppy was a source of pity for everyone who passed by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They are a source of pity, not envy, in a country where having children is central to life.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It may also be a source of inaccurate, pitying, or hateful material.

WikiHow

"As one young resident said, 'People have to look at favelas not with pity but as a source of presidents and lawyers and doctors, artists,'" Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Carl Sandburg, characteristically, saw it as a source of work – hard, back-breaking, boot-sucking labour, to be pitied or envied depending on the onlooker.

The Guardian - Books

A Source of Enduring Confusion.

The New York Times

Find a source of motivation.

WikiHow

Identify a source of fiber.

WikiHow

Add a source of lighting.

WikiHow

Have a source of inspiration.

WikiHow

Be a source of positivity.

WikiHow

Get a source of music.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of pity", ensure the context clearly explains why the subject is deserving of pity. Avoid using it in contexts where sympathy or empathy might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of pity" in overly dramatic or sentimental writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound insincere or manipulative. Consider more nuanced language to convey genuine emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of pity" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something or someone that evokes feelings of compassion and sorrow. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing situations or individuals that elicit pity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of pity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe entities that evoke compassion and sorrow. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its frequency is rare. Usage is primarily seen in news, media, and wiki contexts. When writing, ensure the context clearly justifies the feelings of pity and avoid overuse in overly dramatic settings. Consider alternatives like ""an object of compassion"" or ""a cause for sorrow"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for sorrow

Focuses on the reason for feeling sadness instead of the feeling of pity itself.

an object of compassion

Highlights the feeling of compassion more than the feeling of pity.

a reason for sympathy

Emphasizes the justification for feeling sympathetic.

something to be pitied

Changes the structure to focus on the action of pitying rather than the source.

a heartrending sight

Describes something visually evocative of pity.

a lamentable situation

Shifts focus to the unfortunate circumstances that cause pity.

a deplorable condition

Highlights the negative state that causes pity.

an unfortunate case

Describes a specific instance eliciting pity.

a wretched spectacle

Emphasizes the miserable appearance that evokes pity.

a pathetic sight

Uses a more direct adjective to describe something that evokes pity.

FAQs

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

Use "a source of pity" to describe someone or something that elicits feelings of compassion or sorrow. For example: "The old, abandoned house became "a source of pity" for the neighborhood."

What are some alternatives to "a source of pity"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause for sorrow", "an object of compassion", or "a reason for sympathy" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a source of pity" or "an object of pity"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "an object of pity" might suggest a more passive role, while "a source of pity" implies that the subject evokes that feeling in others.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as "a source of pity"?

It's appropriate when their circumstances or situation naturally evoke compassion and sorrow from others. Avoid using the phrase if it might be perceived as condescending or disrespectful.