express empathy with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express empathy with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of showing understanding and compassion towards someone else's feelings or experiences. Example: "In her speech, she aimed to express empathy with those affected by the recent tragedy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the first, the scene in which her character severs her own clitoris while masturbating is just one appalling morsel from a densely packed smorgasbord of extreme nastiness; the second was linked to a row at Cannes after Von Trier appeared to express empathy with Hitler while promoting it at a press conference.

The Guardian - Film

She did not gesture or change her voice to express empathy with those who struggle and have stress.

Huffington Post

All VHWs were trained to interact with respect, to frequently probe for questions, to express empathy with the challenges the mother is facing, and to praise positive changes and behaviors.

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And Sarah Palin also expressed empathy with Lewis.

The Guardian - Film

There is a way to do that, starting with expressing empathy with the victim and going through a scientific series of questions.

The New York Times

Von Trier himself has not been back to Cannes since organisers declared him "persona non grata" following a 2011 press conference for the film Melancholia in which he jokingly expressed empathy with Adolf Hitler.

The Guardian - Film

Several retired generals expressed empathy with the overall goals of Mr. Gates's effort, saying they agreed that there was lots of room to downsize the Pentagon -- particularly the civilian bureaucracy, which Mr. Gates also has pledged to do.

The New York Times

Some tourists expressed empathy with my situation, they would themselves dislike having to stay in the resort for an extended period of time given the heat, the noise, and some of the behaviour exhibited there.

Independent

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One as President Obama left for a weeklong trip to Africa, Mr. Carney expressed empathy with Russia's predicament as it decides how to handle the situation, given that it has no extradition treaty with the United States.

The New York Times

Therefore, techniques of Motivational Interviewing (express empathy, roll with resistance not fight it, support self-efficacy) are used to stimulate this.

BMC Psychiatry

Simply stated, the therapist should ask questions rather than come up with answers; in particular, the therapist must express empathy and build a relationship with the parents.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey empathy, ensure that your words and actions align. Sincerity enhances the impact of "express empathy with" in professional and personal interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "express empathy with" superficially or without genuine understanding. Empty words can undermine trust and damage relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express empathy with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of showing understanding and compassion towards someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and denotes the conveyance of empathetic feelings. This can be used in various contexts, from personal interactions to professional settings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "express empathy with" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of showing understanding and compassion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in written English. While not overly frequent, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and personal communication. To ensure effective communication, it's vital to express empathy genuinely and consider the specific situation. Alternative phrases such as "show compassion for" or "demonstrate understanding of" can provide similar meanings depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show compassion for

Focuses on the feeling of compassion rather than the act of expressing it, offering a more direct emotional connection.

have compassion towards

Similar to showing compassion, but with a nuance of directing feelings, rather than communicating them.

demonstrate understanding of

Emphasizes comprehension and acknowledgment of another's situation, shifting from emotion to intellect.

be understanding of

Focuses on the state of being receptive and considerate of someone else's circumstances.

offer sympathy to

Highlights the act of providing comfort and support, with a focus on alleviating suffering.

relate to someone's feelings

Stresses the ability to personally connect with another's emotional state, indicating a shared experience or understanding.

share in someone's sorrow

Implies a communal experience of grief or sadness, suggesting a deep emotional connection.

acknowledge someone's pain

Highlights recognizing and validating the suffering of another, providing a sense of acknowledgment and support.

offer condolences for

Specifically used in situations of loss or grief, providing a formal expression of sympathy.

recognize the suffering of

Focuses on the cognitive act of identifying and validating someone's distress, rather than necessarily feeling it.

FAQs

How can I effectively "express empathy with" someone?

To effectively "express empathy with" someone, actively listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and offer support without judgment. Using phrases like "I understand how you feel" or "That must be difficult" can help.

What are some alternative ways to "express empathy with" someone in writing?

In writing, you can "show compassion for", "demonstrate understanding of", or "offer sympathy to" someone. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it always appropriate to "express empathy with" someone?

While expressing empathy is generally positive, it's crucial to be genuine and respectful. Avoid forced or insincere expressions, as these can be counterproductive. Assess the situation and your relationship with the person before deciding to "express empathy with" them.

What's the difference between "express empathy with" and "sympathize with"?

"Express empathy with" involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another, while "sympathize with" primarily involves feeling pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune. Empathy focuses on understanding, while sympathy focuses on feeling sorry.