cases of pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cases of pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific situations or instances that evoke feelings of compassion or sympathy. Example: "In many cases of pity, we find ourselves compelled to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Here Hutcheson cites cases of pity.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Self-directable acts are such that the subject toward whom they are directed may be identical with the subject of the act (as in cases of self-pity, self-hatred, etc).. Non-self-directable acts, on the other hand, such as forgiving or praying, demand an alien subject.

SEP

So I was sitting at home one evening a few days before Christmas feeling lonely and nursing a huge case of self-pity.

Huffington Post

In this case, too, there was the reaction of pity for the country.

Huffington Post

"Women come to you out of pity".

The New Yorker

The looks of pity will vanish.

The New York Times

"The reaction: 'Oh.' And this look of pity".

The New York Times - Food

But Perowne knows himself to be incapable of pity.

The New Yorker

Not out of pity with the victims and the bereaved.

The New York Times

There was a measure of pity among some Gazans.

The New York Times

The waitress gave me a look of pity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid sounding condescending, ensure that when you discuss "cases of pity", you focus on understanding and support rather than judgment or distance.

Common error

Avoid using "cases of pity" when "cases of empathy" is more appropriate. Pity can sometimes imply a sense of superiority, while empathy emphasizes understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cases of pity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific instances or situations that elicit feelings of compassion or sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cases of pity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe situations that evoke feelings of compassion or sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid phrase. While it can appear in various contexts, it is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific emotion you wish to convey and to avoid any implication of condescension. Alternatives such as "instances of compassion" or "situations evoking sympathy" can provide nuanced options for expressing similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instances of compassion

Replaces "pity" with "compassion", emphasizing a more active and empathetic response.

situations evoking sympathy

Rephrases the concept to focus on situations that generate sympathetic feelings.

circumstances warranting empathy

Highlights the circumstances that justify an empathetic response.

occasions for commiseration

Shifts the focus to occasions where sharing sorrow is appropriate.

grounds for feeling sorry

Emphasizes the reasons for experiencing sorrow or regret.

situations calling for mercy

Focuses on instances where showing leniency or compassion is needed.

reasons for showing grace

Highlights the justifications for extending kindness and understanding.

examples of misfortune

Broadens the scope to include general instances of bad luck or adversity that may elicit pity.

plights deserving compassion

Focuses on difficult situations or predicaments that merit compassion.

scenarios generating sorrow

Highlights the scenarios that lead to feelings of sadness or regret.

FAQs

What is the difference between "cases of pity" and "expressions of sympathy"?

"Cases of pity" refer to situations that evoke feelings of sorrow and compassion, while "expressions of sympathy" are the actions or words used to convey those feelings to someone else. One describes the trigger, the other, the response.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cases of pity"?

The phrase "cases of pity" is appropriate when discussing specific situations or instances that elicit feelings of sorrow, compassion, or regret for someone else's suffering or misfortune. It is often used in contexts where the speaker or writer wants to highlight the emotional impact of a particular event or circumstance.

What are some alternative phrases to "cases of pity" that don't imply condescension?

To avoid condescension, consider using phrases like "situations deserving compassion", "circumstances evoking empathy", or "instances of shared suffering". These alternatives emphasize understanding and support rather than a sense of superiority.

How can I use "cases of pity" in a sentence?

You can use "cases of pity" to introduce a discussion about situations that evoke compassion. For example, "In many "cases of pity", people are compelled to offer assistance" or "The news report highlighted several "cases of pity" involving families displaced by the natural disaster".