a wave of sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of sympathy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of compassion or understanding towards someone else's situation or feelings. Example: "After the news of the tragedy broke, there was a wave of sympathy from the community, offering support to the affected families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Result: collapse of the Bayrou vote; and a wave of sympathy for Danny.

Independent

A wave of sympathy ensued with even enemies impressed by his spirited response.

The Economist

He took over as prime minister on a wave of sympathy.

The Guardian

If the February elections are free and fair, the Party may well enjoy a wave of sympathy.

The New Yorker

His case sparked a wave of sympathy around the world when footage of his rescue by firefighters and medics emerged.

The Guardian

In addition, she has benefited from a wave of sympathy after the sudden death last October of Néstor Kirchner, her husband and predecessor as president.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

But of course this time it was different: it was the women's team that was defeated, and there was a wave of gallant sympathy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The following year, she succumbed to the SLFP's desperate pleas to assume the party leadership, and led it to victory on a wave of public sympathy.

The Guardian

But even though Law and Justice has been plummeting in the opinion polls in recent months, Ms. Iglicka said no one should rule out the possibility that it could revive, carried forward on a wave of public sympathy.

The New York Times

Only a wave of public sympathy for a defendant still ranked among the great writers of this most literary of nations might have persuaded General de Gaulle to commute the death sentence.

The New York Times - Books

Speculation over the prime minister's private life ended abruptly in December when he was swamped by a wave of public sympathy after being hit in the face with a model of Milan cathedral.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of sympathy" to describe widespread feelings of compassion or support following an event or situation. It is particularly effective when the sympathy leads to action or public expression.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of sympathy" to describe individual acts of kindness. This phrase implies a collective or widespread feeling, not a singular gesture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of sympathy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a widespread feeling or expression of compassion, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it describes public reactions to events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of sympathy" is a noun phrase used to describe a widespread feeling of compassion or support, often in response to a tragic event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, primarily in news and media contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, it's important to use it to describe collective feelings rather than individual acts of kindness. Alternatives such as "an outpouring of compassion" or "a surge of empathy" can offer different nuances, but all convey a similar sentiment of shared emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of empathy

Highlights the sudden and powerful feeling of understanding another's emotions.

an outpouring of compassion

Emphasizes a strong and generous expression of compassion.

a feeling of profound understanding

Emphasizes a deep and significant level of comprehension and empathy.

a heartening display of support

Focuses on the encouraging and uplifting nature of the support shown.

a groundswell of support

Suggests a broad and increasing level of support from many people.

an upwelling of tenderness

Suggests a gentle and affectionate feeling arising from within.

a swell of goodwill

Highlights the positive sentiment and kindness directed towards someone.

a tide of commiseration

Focuses on sharing in someone's sorrow or hardship.

a communal expression of grief

Emphasizes the shared sorrow and mourning within a community.

a chorus of solace

Indicates widespread comforting and support offered to someone.

FAQs

How can I use "a wave of sympathy" in a sentence?

You can use "a wave of sympathy" to describe a widespread feeling of compassion after a tragic event or difficult situation. For example: "The disaster brought "a wave of sympathy" from across the globe.".

What are some alternatives to "a wave of sympathy"?

Alternatives include "an outpouring of compassion", "a surge of empathy", or "a groundswell of support". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a wave of sympathy" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic analyses, or professional communications, where you need to describe a collective emotional response.

What's the difference between "a wave of sympathy" and "a show of support"?

"A wave of sympathy" describes the feeling of compassion, while "a show of support" refers to actions taken to demonstrate that feeling. You can have sympathy without action, but support is always an action.