express compassion for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express compassion for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when writing about showing empathy and understanding for someone else's difficult situation. For example, you could write "The doctor expressed compassion for the patient who had recently lost a loved one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Finally the old vigour and passion of the campaigner re-emerges "we can always try to retain and express compassion for the lives of others...so long as our ethical imagination survives we remain attached to the world".

Independent

She's quick to express compassion for her patient's sexual needs, yet mindful of the legalities around the topic.

Vice

Each year, he gets to speak at the Clinton Global Initiative, where successful people gather to express compassion for those not invited.

Huffington Post

Does this mean it's now okay -- hell, even heroic -- for a female VP to express compassion for laid-off workers at a board meeting and maybe even (gasp) suggest implementing a severance package including skills retraining and relocation services?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some expressed compassion for their former classmate.

The New Yorker

Hughes also amplified language that Gerson's team had written expressing compassion for the Afghan people.

The New York Times - Magazine

They both expressed compassion for the hurricane-beset, electorally potent residents of Florida.

The New York Times

He expressed compassion for his father's obsession: "Gamblers say they are doing it for their family.

The New York Times

Among those expressing compassion for the Palestinians' plight are Hindus, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, atheists and others untouched by Christian prejudice.

The New York Times

One Palestinian official said the statement would go beyond what the plan called for by including language expressing compassion for Jewish suffering.

The New York Times

Volker Schlöndorff, who directed the movie of "The Tin Drum," expressed compassion for his friend in Der Tagesspiegel; Salman Rushdie also spoke out in Grass's defense.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express compassion for", ensure that your subsequent actions or words align with and reinforce the sentiment of compassion you are conveying. Avoid expressing compassion but then acting in a way that contradicts it.

Common error

Don't just say you "express compassion for" someone without demonstrating genuine understanding or support. Empty words can undermine your credibility. Instead of saying "I express my compassion" without actions, show sympathy and understanding with appropriate actions, or rephrase the sentence and "show empathy towards".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express compassion for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action or outward demonstration of empathy and understanding towards someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the act of showing compassion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express compassion for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating an outward demonstration of empathy and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for written English. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific publications. Alternative phrases such as "show empathy towards", "offer sympathy for", and "demonstrate understanding of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "express compassion for", ensure that your words are backed by genuine actions to avoid appearing insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have compassion for

Shares the core meaning but uses "have" instead of "express," indicating an internal feeling.

extend compassion to

Suggests a deliberate act of offering kindness and understanding.

show empathy towards

Focuses on demonstrating understanding and shared feelings with someone.

offer sympathy for

Emphasizes providing comfort and support in times of grief or hardship.

demonstrate understanding of

Highlights the act of grasping and acknowledging another's situation or feelings.

show concern for

Indicates worry and care about someone's well-being.

be sympathetic to

Implies an alignment of feelings with the person in need.

offer a compassionate response to

Focuses on the kind and thoughtful reaction to a situation.

display kindness towards

Highlights the act of showing gentleness, caring, and a helpful nature.

feel for someone

An informal way to say you empathize with someone's situation.

FAQs

How can I use "express compassion for" in a sentence?

You can use "express compassion for" to describe showing empathy or understanding towards someone or something. For example: "The organization aims to "show empathy towards" refugees fleeing conflict zones".

What is the difference between "express compassion for" and "have compassion for"?

"Express compassion for" implies an outward demonstration of empathy, while "have compassion for" refers to an internal feeling of empathy. You can "show empathy towards" someone even if you don't necessarily say you have compassion.

What are some synonyms for "express compassion for"?

Alternatives include "show empathy towards", "offer sympathy for", or "demonstrate understanding of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to "express compassion for" someone who has caused harm?

Whether it's appropriate depends heavily on the context. While offering understanding can be valuable, it's essential to balance that with acknowledging the harm caused and the needs of those who were affected. Consider if "offer sympathy for" is a better approach.