a sympathetic call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sympathetic call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a phone call or communication that expresses understanding, compassion, or support towards someone in a difficult situation. Example: "After hearing about her loss, I decided to make a sympathetic call to offer my condolences and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

After the speech, Kapler's third wife — the poet Yulia Drunina, whose work Svetlana described to me as "mediocre" — suggested that he give her a sympathetic call.

The New Yorker

Kevin Rudd's aide told the US embassy that the former Australian prime minister had "hoped for a sympathetic call" from Hillary Clinton after he lost the Labor leadership in 2010, newly released emails show.

The Guardian

"Although he did not raise the issue, his aide called Edgard afterward and noted that Rudd had not heard from S [secretary Clinton], and would have hoped for a sympathetic call," Bleich wrote.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In a recent interview, former senator Bob Packwood recalled a sympathetic phone call from President Clinton the night after the Senate Ethics Committee voted to expel him from Congress for sexual misconduct.

The New Yorker

I would like to see a sympathetic publisher call McDonnell's bluff.

Huffington Post

Hodgson names his squad on 12 May and it will be the night before when the players who fail to make the cut receive the sympathetic call to let them know the bad news.

The Guardian - Sport

A judge was sympathetic, calling the circumstances "very disturbing," but said that the law gave her no opportunity to intervene.

The New Yorker

But one thing has given him hope: the other day a sympathetic jailer called him fratello (brother).

The New York Times - Arts

A sympathetic student called Vanessa tells me that she has had to do "a lot of personal work" to prepare for this weekend.

The Guardian

Help is at hand in the form of a sympathetic hairdresser called Samantha, played by Cécile de France, known to anglophone audiences for her roles in Around the World in 80 Days and Clint Eastwood's Hereafter.

The Guardian - Film

Maxwell had a contract with Penguin Putnam to write what he says is a sympathetic biography called Finding Steve Jobs.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sympathetic call", ensure the context clearly indicates that the call is intended to express empathy, support, or understanding towards someone in a difficult situation. Be specific about the nature of the sympathy being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "a sympathetic call" when the intention is merely to offer generic support or make routine inquiries. A sympathetic call should be reserved for situations where genuine empathy is being communicated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sympathetic call" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sympathetic" modifies the noun "call". It describes a specific type of communication intended to express understanding and compassion. Ludwig examples show usage in various contexts, from personal situations to political scenarios.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sympathetic call" is a noun phrase denoting a communication intended to express empathy and support. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, primarily within news and media contexts. While relatively infrequent, the phrase effectively conveys a message of understanding and compassion in emotionally charged situations. Related phrases such as ""a supportive call"" or ""an empathetic call"" can offer alternative ways to convey similar sentiments. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly aligns with the intent of providing genuine emotional support, differentiating it from mere routine communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supportive call

Replaces "sympathetic" with "supportive", highlighting the aspect of providing assistance and encouragement during the call.

a positive call

Replaces 'sympathetic' with 'positive', focusing on the encouraging aspect of the call rather than empathy.

a friendly call

Substitutes 'sympathetic' with 'friendly', emphasizing warmth and good intentions.

a nice call

Replaces 'sympathetic' with 'nice', suggesting a pleasant and well-meaning interaction.

a pleasant call

Substitutes "sympathetic" with "pleasant", indicating an enjoyable and agreeable phone call.

a favorable call

Replaces 'sympathetic' with 'favorable', which focuses on the call providing a positive outcome or response.

a gracious call

Replaces 'sympathetic' with 'gracious', emphasizing the politeness and kindness of the call.

a welcome call

Substitutes 'sympathetic' with 'welcome', indicating that the call was gladly received.

a significant call

Substitutes 'sympathetic' with 'significant', highlighting the importance or impact of the call.

a comprehensive call

Replaces 'sympathetic' with 'comprehensive', focusing on the thoroughness or detail of the communication.

FAQs

How can I use "a sympathetic call" in a sentence?

You might say, "After her accident, I made "a sympathetic call" to offer my support" or "The company received "a sympathetic call" from a major investor after the stock price dropped".

What are some alternatives to saying "a sympathetic call"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a supportive call", "an empathetic call", or "a compassionate call". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of understanding and caring.

When is it appropriate to make "a sympathetic call"?

It's appropriate when someone is experiencing hardship, loss, or a difficult situation, and you want to express your understanding and offer support. The goal is to provide comfort and show that you care.

Is there a difference between "a sympathetic call" and "a supportive call"?

While both convey positive intent, "a sympathetic call" focuses more on expressing understanding and empathy for someone's feelings, whereas "a supportive call" might emphasize offering practical help or encouragement.