create sympathy for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create sympathy for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of eliciting feelings of compassion or understanding towards a person, character, or situation. Example: "The author skillfully creates sympathy for the protagonist, making readers empathize with her struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Their dialogue is supposed to create sympathy for them.

The New York Times

By publishing this video, you might create sympathy for a murderer".

The New York Times

Europeans argue that any overt steps to push Mr. Arafat aside will backfire and create sympathy for him.

The New York Times

A refusal to play victim may seem to contradict the activist impulse to create sympathy for the victims by showcasing maternal grief.

The Guardian - Opinion

As if aware of what an unlikable figure she herself cut, she placed unlikable women in the foreground of these novels and then deployed the storyteller's most potent weapon, the contagiousness of fictional desire, to create sympathy for them.

The New Yorker

The historian Yehuda Bauer wrote: "Wiesenthal, as he admitted to me in private, invented the figure in order to create sympathy for the Jews — in order to make the non-Jews feel like they are part of us".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Instead, she creates sympathy for these confused, vulnerable women.

The New York Times - Books

The New Yorker, September 27 , 1930 P. 17Helper who creates sympathy for beggar.

The New Yorker

Those have created sympathy for the perils faced by the Foreign Service.

The New York Times

"The problem is that the involvement of the United States creates sympathy for Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

By Robert M. Coates The New Yorker, September 27 , 1930 P. 17Helper who creates sympathy for beggar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, carefully present facts that "create sympathy for" the affected party while also acknowledging counterarguments to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on emotional appeals to "create sympathy for" a cause, as it can be perceived as manipulative. Instead, balance emotional appeals with logical reasoning and evidence to build a stronger argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create sympathy for" functions primarily as a verb phrase that introduces the action of generating a feeling of understanding or pity towards someone or something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create sympathy for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the action of eliciting feelings of understanding and compassion. As Ludwig AI points out, it is frequently used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While the phrase is considered correct, it's important to use it judiciously, balancing emotional appeals with logic and evidence. Alternatives such as "evoke compassion for" or "foster empathy for" can provide subtle variations in meaning, depending on the desired nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "create sympathy for" to achieve their communicative goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke compassion for

Emphasizes the act of bringing forth feelings of compassion.

foster empathy for

Highlights the nurturing and development of empathetic understanding.

generate compassion for

Focuses on producing feelings of compassion.

inspire understanding of

Shifts the focus to promoting comprehension and insight.

encourage compassion towards

Suggests actively promoting compassionate feelings.

cultivate empathy toward

Implies a deliberate effort to develop empathetic feelings.

promote goodwill toward

Focuses on generating positive and friendly feelings.

elicit concern for

Highlights drawing out feelings of worry or interest.

build rapport with

Emphasizes establishing a connection of mutual understanding and trust.

win the support of

Focuses on gaining approval and assistance through sympathetic understanding.

FAQs

How can I "create sympathy for" a character in a story?

You can "create sympathy for" a character by showing their vulnerabilities, their struggles, and their positive qualities, even if they make mistakes. This helps readers empathize with their journey.

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

"Create sympathy for" generally refers to generating feelings of understanding and pity. "Evoke compassion for" emphasizes eliciting deep feelings of caring and concern, often in response to suffering.

Is it always a good idea to "create sympathy for" a villain?

Creating sympathy for a villain can add depth and complexity to a story, but it should be done carefully. The goal is to make the villain understandable, not necessarily likable or excusable. Overdoing it may alienate your audience.

What are some strategies to "create sympathy for" a cause in persuasive writing?

To "create sympathy for" a cause, share personal stories of individuals affected by the issue, highlight the positive impact of supporting the cause, and emphasize the shared values and goals between the audience and the cause. Avoid exaggeration.