build empathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build empathy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe the need to create a sense of understanding and compassion between people. For example, "It is important to build empathy in order to foster better communication between all parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

If getting to 1 billion was about building a product, and getting to 2 billion was about building a user base, Facebook's responsibility is to build empathy between us as it reaches for 3 billion.

TechCrunch

And the second thing fiction does is to build empathy.

The New York Times

The second thing fiction does is to build empathy.

The Guardian - Books

"He wanted to build empathy for the consumer into the product," Professor Kelley said.

The New York Times

Mascots are foremost used in environmental campaigns to build empathy for a particular animal species.

The Guardian

Mr. Welch: You want to build empathy between your brand and the people you're selling to.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Like the narrator of a segment of "This American Life," Kevin builds empathy with sauntering stealth.

The New York Times - Books

The social connections that they encourage, both within Iraq and beyond, have built empathy in ways that may have a profound effect on the way some young people view their place in the world.

The New Yorker

"This builds empathy," says Prasad.

BBC

This builds empathy.

Huffington Post

Thus your neurology builds empathy, cooperation and civility into society.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build empathy", consider the specific actions or strategies that contribute to fostering understanding and connection. For example, "Storytelling can be a powerful tool to build empathy among team members."

Common error

Avoid using "build empathy" when you actually mean to express sympathy. Empathy is understanding another's feelings, while sympathy is feeling sorry for someone. Focus on understanding perspectives rather than simply feeling pity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build empathy" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "build" is the transitive verb and "empathy" is the direct object. It describes the act of constructing or developing a sense of understanding and compassion towards others, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build empathy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the process of developing understanding and compassion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and discussions related to social issues. While alternatives like "foster understanding" or "cultivate compassion" exist, "build empathy" effectively conveys the active and progressive nature of developing empathetic connections. Remember to focus on actions rather than sympathy. With a high source quality score and expert rating, this phrase stands as a reliable choice in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nurture empathy

Focuses on carefully developing and encouraging empathetic feelings.

create understanding

Emphasizes the act of forming comprehension or insight.

foster understanding

Focuses on the result of increased understanding rather than the active process of building it.

grow understanding

Highlights the gradual and progressive development of comprehension.

cultivate compassion

Emphasizes the nurturing and development of compassionate feelings.

increase compassion

Highlights the growth and expansion of compassionate feelings.

develop rapport

Highlights establishing a connection of mutual understanding and trust.

foster connection

Stresses the nurturing and development of links between people.

encourage connection

Stresses the act of promoting or facilitating a sense of interpersonal link.

promote sensitivity

Focuses on increasing awareness and consideration of others' feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "build empathy" in a sentence?

You can use "build empathy" to describe actions that promote understanding and connection between individuals or groups. For example, "Educational programs can help "build empathy" among students from different cultural backgrounds".

What are some alternatives to "build empathy"?

Alternatives include "foster understanding", "cultivate compassion", or "develop rapport", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "create empathy" or "build empathy"?

"Build empathy" is generally preferred because it suggests a gradual process of development, while "create empathy" might imply a more immediate or artificial generation of understanding.

What's the difference between "building empathy" and "showing empathy"?

"Building empathy" refers to the active process of developing understanding and connection, while "showing empathy" refers to expressing that understanding to someone else. One focuses on internal development, and the other on external expression.