asking for compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire for empathy or understanding from others in various contexts, such as personal conversations or written appeals. Example: "In times of hardship, many people find themselves asking for compassion from their friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Shriver has issued a public statement asking for "compassion, respect, and privacy".

The New Yorker

At some points in his speech, he struck the tone of a beggar asking for compassion and acquittal.

The New York Times

I am not asking for compassion, only fairness and an opportunity to prove my total innocence.

Huffington Post

As a priest, he brought the prayers of his people to G-d, always asking for compassion and forgiveness for his people.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I ask for compassion.

The New York Times

"I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal.

The New York Times

She "did not seem to ask for compassion", as Elizabeth notes at the end of her first visit to the marital bower.

The Guardian - Books

On Wednesday, the doctor's widow and his children came to court instead to draw attention to the abuse that they say the entire family suffered at his hands and to ask for compassion for the son.

The New York Times

Rigoletto violently denounces them for their cruelty, then asks for compassion.

BBC

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis asked for compassion and solidarity in a Facebook post and the Minister for Healthcare, Nicolae Bănicioiu, encouraged people to donate blood for the wounded.

Vice

Like the glance of Puss in Boots in the film Shrek, Momo makes little faces which ask for compassion, tenderness and strokes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asking for compassion", ensure the context clearly warrants empathy. Avoid using it to excuse irresponsible behavior, as this can undermine the sincerity of your plea.

Common error

Avoid using "asking for compassion" when the situation calls for accountability or justice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your request seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for compassion" functions as a verbal phrase used to express a request or plea. It is commonly used when someone is seeking understanding, empathy, or leniency from others. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Huffington Post

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asking for compassion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to request empathy or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms it's appropriate in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, the specific context dictates its effectiveness. It is important to use this phrase when the situation genuinely calls for empathy, and to be aware of alternatives like "seeking empathy" or "requesting understanding" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking empathy

Focuses on obtaining emotional understanding from others, rather than specifically requesting compassion.

requesting understanding

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of comprehension over the emotional aspect of compassion.

pleading for mercy

Suggests a more desperate or urgent request for leniency, often in a legal or dire situation.

appealing for leniency

Implies a formal request for reduced punishment or strictness.

seeking forbearance

Highlights a request for patience and tolerance in difficult circumstances.

soliciting understanding

Formal alternative, stressing the act of actively seeking comprehension.

begging for grace

Conveys a sense of humility and dependence on the goodwill of others.

beseeching kindness

Emphasizes the request for gentle and benevolent treatment.

imploring sympathy

Stresses the elicitation of shared feeling and emotional support.

entreating consideration

Highlights the request for thoughtful and careful assessment.

FAQs

How do I use "asking for compassion" in a sentence?

You can use "asking for compassion" when requesting understanding or empathy in a difficult situation. For example, "After the accident, she was "asking for compassion" from her community as she rebuilt her life".

What can I say instead of "asking for compassion"?

Alternatives to "asking for compassion" include "seeking empathy", "requesting understanding", or "pleading for mercy" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "asking for compassion" in a professional setting?

Using "asking for compassion" in a professional setting depends on the context. It's suitable when addressing colleagues or superiors about personal challenges affecting work, but not when excusing negligence. In some instances, "requesting understanding" may be a more appropriate substitute.

What's the difference between "asking for compassion" and "asking for sympathy"?

"Asking for compassion" implies seeking understanding and empathy, while "asking for sympathy" suggests seeking shared feelings of sadness or pity. Compassion involves a deeper level of understanding and a desire to alleviate suffering, while sympathy is more about sharing emotions. You may also consider "seeking empathy".