express pity for

USAGE SUMMARY

"express pity for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to vocalize or show sympathy or compassion towards someone or something. You can use it when describing a feeling of sorrow or sadness for someone's unfortunate situation. Example: The poem expressed deep pity for the homeless man, who was shivering on the cold, wet streets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But she did express pity for Tsarnaev, and was among a minority who asked him to try to do something good with the time he has left.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

On talk radio and in the streets, some people expressed pity for Bartman, saying he reached out as any fan might when a ball came his way and criticizing those who tried to pin a team's series of mistakes on one poor fan from the suburbs.

The New York Times - Sports

The sight of Mr. Mubarak, the former Egyptian president, 83 and ailing, confined to a hospital gurney inside a defendant's cage reserved for common thugs evoked a range of reactions, with some people feeling the thrill of a vengeful comeuppance and others expressing pity for a proud man who once embodied the archtypical Arab autocrat.

The New York Times

I wanted Jeff to turn around and express pity.

Vice

While students expressed anger, there was also an immediate sense of forgiveness and mercy towards the shooter, with many expressing pity instead of hatred for him.

Huffington Post

Thus, sympathy expresses "pity for another's troubles" while empathy reflects a stronger "emotional identification".

The New York Times - Magazine

Her silence expressed pity.

The New York Times - Books

It is worth noting that while Helen is shamed and scorned for her past, the characters seemed to only express concern and pity for Harvey, her violent, alcoholic former love while she must endure judgment and ostracization.

Huffington Post

On radio and in social media, South Africans expressed support and pity for the 26-year-old athlete.

The Guardian

Flaubert has been accused of presenting them as imbeciles, but in fact he expresses his compassion for them: "They acquire a faculty deserving of pity, they recognize stupidity and can no longer tolerate it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other people express happiness for people who marry but pity for those who stay single.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "express pity for" when you want to articulate a feeling of sorrow and sympathy, especially when followed by an action or statement of support. For example, "She expressed pity for the victims and offered them assistance."

Common error

Avoid using "express pity for" when you intend to convey empathy. Pity implies a sense of superiority, whereas empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another. Instead of expressing pity, aim to express understanding and support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express pity for" functions as a verb phrase expressing an emotional response. It is used to describe the act of showing or vocalizing feelings of sorrow, compassion, or sympathy towards someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express pity for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey feelings of sorrow and compassion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in written English. While the phrase is common across various contexts, it's important to be mindful of the distinction between pity and empathy, opting for expressions of understanding and support when appropriate. Alternative phrases like "show compassion for" and "feel sympathy for" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its role in reporting and commenting on events involving suffering or hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show compassion for

Focuses on demonstrating empathy and understanding towards someone's suffering, rather than simply feeling sorry.

feel sympathy for

Implies a shared feeling of sorrow or understanding of someone's misfortune, emphasizing emotional alignment.

take pity on

Suggests an act of kindness or leniency motivated by feelings of pity, shifting the focus to action.

have compassion for

Emphasizes a deeper level of understanding and care, going beyond a superficial feeling of pity.

express sorrow for

Directly communicates a feeling of sadness or regret for someone's hardship.

offer condolences to

Specifically used in the context of mourning or loss, providing comfort and support to the bereaved.

extend sympathy to

A more formal way of offering support and understanding during a difficult time.

be moved by

Highlights the emotional impact of someone's situation, prompting feelings of empathy and concern.

feel for someone

A more informal expression of sympathy, suggesting a connection and understanding of their pain.

commiserate with

Highlights the sharing of sorrow or hardship, implying a mutual experience of suffering.

FAQs

How do you use "express pity for" in a sentence?

You can use "express pity for" to show sympathy or sorrow for someone's situation. For example: "The organization expressed pity for the families affected by the disaster".

What can I say instead of "express pity for"?

You can use alternatives like "show compassion for", "feel sympathy for", or "take pity on", depending on the context.

Is it better to express pity or empathy?

Empathy is generally preferred over pity, as empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, while pity can imply a sense of superiority or distance. When possible express "show compassion for" instead.

What is the difference between "express pity for" and "express sympathy for"?

"Express pity for" suggests a feeling of sorrow or sadness towards someone's misfortune, while "express sympathy for" indicates a shared feeling of sorrow or understanding. Sympathy is a broader term and often implies a deeper connection.