expressions of sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressions of sympathy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to gestures or statements that convey compassion or understanding towards someone who is experiencing grief or hardship. Example: "After hearing about her loss, I sent her a card with expressions of sympathy to show my support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Expressions of sympathy aren't enough.

The New York Times

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Fay Bakhru, P.O.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The death brought expressions of sympathy from unexpected quarters.

The New York Times

Artists felt compelled to send special expressions of sympathy.

The New York Times

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Ruth Lorber's memory to the Alzheimers Association.

The New York Times

Mr. Macron's repeated expressions of sympathy and understanding failed to move his audience.

The New York Times

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Jimmy Fund, 1309 Beacon St., Brookline, MA. 02146.

The New York Times

Expressions of sympathy from Mr Latham's colleagues only heightened the mystery.

The Economist

The F1 community responded immediately to the Canada death with expressions of sympathy, predominantly via Twitter.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The family requests expressions of sympathy be donated to Holy Family's memorial fund.

The New York Times

Expressions of sympathy ranked second in frequency; 25 percent on Twitter and 20 percent on blogs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering "expressions of sympathy", be genuine and specific to the situation. Avoid generic phrases and focus on acknowledging the person's specific loss or hardship.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on overused phrases like "thoughts and prayers". While well-intentioned, they can sometimes come across as insincere. Instead, offer a personalized message that reflects your genuine feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressions of sympathy" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents the concrete manifestations (expressions) of an abstract feeling (sympathy). Ludwig examples show it used to describe actions, words, or gestures conveying compassion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expressions of sympathy" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe actions, words, or gestures that convey compassion and support during times of grief or hardship. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and academic settings. While alternatives such as ""words of condolence"" or ""messages of support"" exist, "expressions of sympathy" remains a versatile and appropriate choice for conveying heartfelt concern. When offering sympathy, prioritize genuineness and specificity to provide meaningful comfort to those in need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartfelt condolences

Stresses the sincerity and depth of the sympathy being offered.

words of condolence

Focuses more specifically on grief and loss, implying a formal offering of comfort.

messages of support

Broader, encompassing emotional, practical, or financial assistance in a difficult time.

sympathetic gestures

Focuses on actions that show understanding and care.

gestures of comfort

Highlights non-verbal actions taken to alleviate distress.

acts of compassion

Emphasizes the empathetic nature of the response to someone's suffering.

demonstrations of empathy

Focuses on actively showing an understanding of another person's feelings.

sympathetic sentiments

More formal and literary, referring to feelings or attitudes reflecting sympathy.

offering solace

Highlights the act of providing comfort and relief during distress.

comforting words

Highlights the verbal aspect of offering solace.

FAQs

How can I use "expressions of sympathy" in a sentence?

You can use "expressions of sympathy" to describe actions, words, or gestures that convey compassion or understanding. For example, "The community offered numerous "expressions of sympathy" to the family after their loss."

What are some alternatives to "expressions of sympathy"?

Alternatives include "words of condolence", "messages of support", or "heartfelt condolences". The best choice depends on the context and the specific sentiment you want to convey.

What's the difference between "expressions of sympathy" and "expressions of empathy"?

"Expressions of sympathy" convey compassion for someone's hardship, while "expressions of empathy" indicate a shared understanding of their feelings. Empathy involves putting yourself in the other person's shoes, while sympathy acknowledges their pain.

In what contexts is it appropriate to offer "expressions of sympathy"?

It's appropriate to offer "expressions of sympathy" in situations involving loss, grief, hardship, or suffering. This can include personal losses, such as the death of a loved one, or broader events, such as natural disasters or tragedies. Be genuine and considerate in your approach.