express sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

"express sympathy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to show empathy and compassion to someone who is going through a difficult time. For example, "After hearing about your loss, I just wanted to express sympathy for your situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When she does mention her background, they usually express sympathy.

The New York Times

Stone said that he, of course, would express sympathy.

The New Yorker

Many poems express sympathy for the working classes.

The Guardian - Books

I express sympathy and ask if he had suffered?

The Guardian - Travel

To think in the third person is to express sympathy and feel compassion for the victims.

The New York Times

Mr McGuinness was quick to express sympathy for all their families.

The Economist

He doesn't express sympathy for sickness, or scorn for bureaucracy, or outrage at unfairness.

The New Yorker

President Obama called Ms. Fallin on Saturday evening to express sympathy and offer federal aid.

The New York Times

"At no point during that time did he reach out to [our] family to express sympathy.

Independent

He took time today to express sympathy with Palestinian frustrations -- though not their tactics.

The New York Times

He also wants to make it a crime to express sympathy for terrorists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider cultural norms when expressing sympathy. Different cultures have different customs for expressing grief and support.

Common error

Avoid using clichés or empty phrases that can come across as insincere. Focus on offering genuine support and understanding rather than just saying what you think someone wants to hear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express sympathy" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the action of showing compassion, concern, or sorrow for someone else's suffering or loss. Ludwig confirms the correct and frequent use of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express sympathy" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to convey compassion and support to others. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and frequency across diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, sincerity and cultural sensitivity are paramount. While alternative phrases like "offer condolences" or "show empathy" can be used, the key is to be genuine and avoid clichés. It's important to consider the specific situation and the relationship with the person you're addressing when expressing sympathy, whether in person or in writing. Understanding the nuances of this phrase can help you provide meaningful comfort during difficult times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show empathy

Focuses on demonstrating an understanding of another person's feelings.

offer condolences

Focuses specifically on expressing grief and sorrow for someone's loss.

express compassion

Similar to 'convey compassion' but may imply a deeper emotional connection.

share sorrow

Emphasizes the act of jointly experiencing grief with someone.

convey compassion

Emphasizes the act of communicating feelings of empathy and care.

show concern

Highlights demonstrating care and worry about someone's well-being.

extend understanding

Highlights showing empathy and acceptance towards someone's situation.

reach out in empathy

Emphasizes the action of contacting someone to show understanding and support.

offer support

Stresses providing help and encouragement during a difficult time.

offer a shoulder to cry on

An idiomatic expression signifying willingness to listen and provide comfort.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "express sympathy"?

You can use alternatives like "offer condolences", "convey compassion", or "show empathy" depending on the context.

How do you appropriately "express sympathy" in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, it's best to keep your expression of sympathy concise and respectful. A simple "I'm sorry for your loss" or "My thoughts are with you during this difficult time" is usually sufficient. Avoid overly personal or emotional statements.

What is the difference between "express sympathy" and "express empathy"?

"Express sympathy" generally means showing sorrow or concern for someone's misfortune. "Express empathy", on the other hand, involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. Empathy goes a step further by attempting to feel what the other person is feeling.

Is it better to "express sympathy" in person or in writing?

The best way to "express sympathy" depends on the relationship and the situation. In person is often more meaningful, but a handwritten note or card can also be a thoughtful gesture, especially if you can't be there in person.