a source of sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of sympathy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that evokes feelings of compassion or understanding from others. Example: "Her story of overcoming adversity became a source of sympathy for many in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The violations were particularly flagrant in Cẩn's area, which was the home of the Nguyễn Dynasty and a source of sympathy towards Bảo Đại.

Wikipedia

At this point in the E! "True Hollywood Story," Bynes' struggles should be a source of sympathy, not shameless voyeurism, and the fact that the dire nature of her situation has not significantly altered our reaction to her behavior reflects the issues that continue to plague our perception of mental illness.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Several clients posited that some providers may believe addiction is a self-inflicted problem, and as a result they would be less inclined to provide assistance: "anybody who goes into any medical facility and has to say the words Drop In Centre, [other shelter name], no fixed address… immediately any source of sympathy seems to slide" (male client 1).

BMC Family Practice

My baldness was a source of amusement, sympathy and revulsion for everyone.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The innocence of children is instantly engaging, of course, their powerlessness a natural source of sympathy.

The New York Times

In the duet that follows, Mary alternates between collapse and elation; her spirits rise and fall at the prospects brought her by the angel, who is a constant source of sympathy and energy.

The New York Times - Arts

Rep. Mel Watt, a Democratic congressman from North Carolina and an unlikely source of sympathy, urged voters to reserve judgment on Hastert until more facts about the Foley scandal were known.

HuffPost

But they said it was meant to put the onus on President Fidel Castro of Cuba, who, they said, had used the hardships inflicted by the embargo to gain international sympathy and as a source of blame for problems on the island.

The New York Times

Fans in Indianapolis would no doubt rather remain a source of envy than what they have become: a sympathy case.

The New Yorker

The reintroduction of episcopacy was a source of particular trouble in the south-west of the country, an area with strong Presbyterian sympathies.

Wikipedia

What a source of power!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a source of sympathy" when you want to highlight something or someone that naturally evokes feelings of compassion or understanding in others. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of sympathy" as a manipulative tactic to excuse bad behavior or decisions. Legitimate sympathy arises from genuine circumstances, not as a shield for irresponsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of sympathy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing entities or situations that evoke compassion. It identifies what causes or inspires sympathetic feelings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a source of sympathy" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe something or someone that evokes feelings of compassion or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse contexts like news, wiki articles, and scientific publications, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a genuine cause for compassion and not a manipulative attempt to justify inappropriate behavior. Consider alternatives such as "a reason for compassion" or "a wellspring of compassion" to fine-tune your message. The usage frequency is uncommon, suggesting it is appropriate for specific contexts where emphasis on evoking compassion is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason for compassion

Emphasizes the justification for feeling sympathy, shifting the focus to the cause.

a cause for pity

Highlights the element of sorrow or misfortune that elicits sympathy.

a wellspring of compassion

Suggests a rich and continuous supply of sympathetic feelings.

a generator of empathy

Focuses on the ability to create understanding and shared feelings.

a stimulus for understanding

Points to something that encourages deeper comprehension and compassion.

an object of commiseration

Highlights something or someone that others feel sorrowful about.

a trigger of empathetic response

Focuses on the mechanism that initiates a sympathetic reaction.

a spark for fellow feeling

Implies a connection or shared experience that encourages sympathy.

an impetus for caring

Indicates something that drives or motivates concern and sympathy.

an invitation to kindness

Suggests that something prompts acts of compassion and understanding.

FAQs

How can "a source of sympathy" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a source of sympathy" to describe someone or something that naturally evokes feelings of compassion. For instance, "The child's difficult circumstances became "a source of sympathy" for the entire community".

What are some alternatives to saying "a source of sympathy"?

Alternatives include "a reason for compassion", "a cause for pity", or "a wellspring of compassion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a source of sympathy" in formal writing?

Yes, "a source of sympathy" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its use depends on the context and the specific message you want to communicate.

What's the difference between ""a source of sympathy"" and "a reason for sympathy"?

"A source of sympathy" implies that something naturally evokes compassion, while "a reason for sympathy" suggests there's a logical or justifiable basis for feeling sympathy.