consider sympathetically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consider sympathetically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest that someone should think about a situation or perspective with understanding and compassion. Example: "When discussing the challenges faced by the community, it's important to consider sympathetically the various factors that contribute to their struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Labor will also consider "sympathetically" the childcare changes, which include streamlining the existing system of multiple subsidies and providing increased support for families, particularly low and middle-income earners.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A further 20,000 applications, up to 1996, will be considered sympathetically.

The Economist

Mark Reckless, the former Conservative MP, whose defection triggered the by-election, said that EU migrants who had lived in the UK for a long time would be considered "sympathetically" but others would only be allowed to stay for a transitional period.

Independent

A United Nations official, who declined to be identified, said that if such a request was received, it "would be considered sympathetically, but since the World Economic Forum was not a U.N. body, a number of factors would have to be considered, including the availability of conference rooms".

The New York Times

While conditions of suppression do not themselves prove a writer or thinker such as Hume had a concealed doctrine, this possibility should be carefully considered and sympathetically appreciated.

SEP

The code requires lenders to consider mortgage arrears sympathetically and positively.

The Guardian - Money

The other consideration that leads Chalmers to sympathetically consider Russellian ideas is grounded in worry that naturalistic dualism leads to epiphenomenalism.

SEP

Duke University encourages the offspring of wealthy parents to apply early and considers their applications sympathetically.The real threat to meritocracy, however, comes not from within the universities but from society at large.

The Economist

This is not to say that she is given a pass for the irresponsible and selfish things she does, but rather that such behavior is part of her complicated, sympathetically considered humanity.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, the pilots decided to call off their strike after the Air India management told the court that it would consider the demands of the pilots "sympathetically".

BBC

He said that after students were able to look at their own lives through the prism of the poetic craft, they would consider poetry from different time periods, or different countries, more sympathetically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consider sympathetically", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being considered and why a compassionate perspective is important. For example, "Consider sympathetically the impact of the policy on vulnerable populations".

Common error

Avoid using "consider sympathetically" in argumentative contexts where objectivity is paramount. Overusing this phrase may undermine your credibility by suggesting bias or emotional reasoning instead of rational analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider sympathetically" primarily functions as a verb phrase modifying the action of considering. It adds a layer of empathy and understanding to the act of evaluating or thinking about something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts where a compassionate perspective is desired.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consider sympathetically" is a grammatically correct phrase used to advocate for an empathetic and understanding approach in evaluation or decision-making. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is generally well-received. It often appears in news and media contexts, as well as in science and formal business settings, suggesting a register ranging from neutral to professional. While not exceedingly common, it serves as a useful way to encourage compassionate consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

view with compassion

Emphasizes the feeling of compassion when assessing something.

meet with sympathy

Focuses on responding to a situation with sympathetic feelings.

treat with understanding

Focuses on the act of treating someone or something with consideration.

approach with empathy

Highlights the empathetic perspective one should take.

be understanding of

Focuses on the state of being understanding toward a situation or person.

regard with kindness

Stresses the kindness and gentleness in consideration.

show consideration for

Emphasizes the act of showing thoughtfulness and regard.

take a lenient view

Suggests a less strict or critical perspective.

handle with sensitivity

Highlights the need for a delicate and careful approach.

give a favorable hearing

Suggests a willingness to listen and consider something positively.

FAQs

How can I use "consider sympathetically" in a sentence?

You can use "consider sympathetically" to suggest a compassionate and understanding approach to a topic. For example, "The board agreed to consider sympathetically the employee's request for a leave of absence".

What does it mean to "consider sympathetically" something?

To "consider sympathetically" means to evaluate or think about something with kindness, understanding, and empathy, taking into account the feelings and circumstances of those involved.

What can I say instead of "consider sympathetically"?

You can use alternatives like "view with compassion", "treat with understanding", or "approach with empathy" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to "consider sympathetically" a situation?

While showing empathy is generally positive, there are situations where objectivity is crucial. In legal or highly critical contexts, a more neutral approach may be more appropriate than to "consider sympathetically".