a trace of pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount or hint of compassion or sympathy that someone feels towards another person. Example: "Despite his harsh words, there was a trace of pity in his eyes as he looked at her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"You're a man of science," he said, with more than a trace of pity.

The New Yorker

"They don't get out very much," she said with a trace of pity.

The New York Times - Science

Ms. Unger accomplishes this with amazing understatement, and without a trace of pity or sentimentality.

The New York Times

"He's a very, very reckless fighter," Mayweather added, with a trace of pity, and maybe also of envy.

The New Yorker

She'd say she loved the cold, pure brilliance of my eyes that held not a trace of pity.

The New Yorker

She smiles at him, and he is relieved to see that it's a real smile, without a trace of pity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They gaze from her paintings without a trace of self-pity or pathos.

The New York Times

She never showed a trace of self-pity.

The New York Times

Was a trace of self-pity detectable in his voice?

The New York Times

"None of the boys liked me," she notes, without a trace of self-pity.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Most of my mistakes are in the public eye," he said without a trace of self-pity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trace of pity" to subtly indicate a character's underlying compassion or humanity, even when their actions or words might suggest otherwise.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of pity" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and diminish its impact. Vary your descriptions of emotions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of pity" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It denotes a small amount or indication of the emotion of pity. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing facial expressions or subtle feelings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace of pity" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a small amount or hint of compassion or sympathy. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its primary function as a noun phrase used to subtly convey emotions, particularly in news and media contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase is versatile and can add depth to descriptions of characters' feelings. Remember to use it judiciously and consider alternative expressions like "a hint of compassion" or "a touch of sympathy" to avoid repetition and enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A hint of compassion

Replaces "trace of pity" with a focus on compassion, suggesting a slightly warmer sentiment.

A touch of sympathy

Uses "sympathy" instead of "pity", which can soften the emotional tone.

A glimmer of understanding

Shifts the focus from pity to understanding, implying empathy and connection.

A shade of sorrow

Emphasizes sadness or regret, which may accompany pity.

A degree of compassion

Replaces 'trace' with 'degree' to suggest a more measurable amount of compassion.

A whisper of empathy

Uses 'empathy' instead of 'pity' to emphasize a shared feeling.

A moment of commiseration

Indicates a shared feeling of sorrow or suffering.

A pang of regret

Highlights the feeling of remorse that might be associated with pity.

A wave of understanding

Suggests a more substantial feeling of comprehension and empathy.

A sense of compassion

Replaces 'trace' with 'sense' implying a more intuitive understanding.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a trace of pity" in a sentence?

Use "a trace of pity" to subtly indicate a feeling without explicitly stating strong emotions. For example, "Despite his harsh words, there was "a trace of pity" in his eyes."

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

You can use alternatives like "a hint of compassion", "a touch of sympathy", or "a glimmer of understanding" to convey similar emotions with slightly different nuances.

Is "a trace of pity" too cliché to use in writing?

While not inherently cliché, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your descriptions of emotions to maintain reader engagement and consider alternatives like "a shade of sorrow" or "a whisper of empathy".

What's the difference between "a trace of pity" and "a feeling of pity"?

"A trace of pity" suggests a small, subtle amount of the emotion, while "a feeling of pity" implies a more substantial and noticeable sensation. Use ""a trace of pity"" when you want to hint at the emotion without explicitly stating it.