feel pity for

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel pity for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a feeling of sadness or compassion for someone or something. Here are a few examples of how to use this phrase in a sentence: - "I couldn't help but feel pity for the homeless man I saw on the street." - "She felt deep pity for the abandoned puppy she found in the park." - "As I read his tragic story, I couldn't help but feel pity for the main character." - "The audience was filled with pity for the protagonist as she faced her struggles." - "He tried to hide it, but I could see the pity in his eyes as he looked at me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't even muster feelings of partisanship about his poetry; I just feel pity for those who haven't, for whatever reason, been able to accept the gift of his work.

The New Yorker

Do you feel pity for Oswald?

The New York Times

Personally I don't feel pity for these publishers".

The New York Times

It was impossible not to feel pity for Perkins.

The Guardian

As for the former B.J.P. stalwart Mr. Patel, "I feel pity for him," Mr. Rupani said.

The New York Times

In this regard it is getting difficult not to simply feel pity for Dole.

The New Yorker

When casting Matilda, Warchus looked for "the kind of personality that you don't feel pity for".

The New Yorker

She might feel pretty, but we can only feel pity for Amy Schumer right now.

The Guardian - Film

There are other characters who die but don't feel pity for themselves.

The Guardian

Please, don't wish death upon us because you feel pity for our condition.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You don't want people to feel pity for you," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel pity for" when you want to express a sense of sorrow or compassion towards someone who is experiencing misfortune or suffering. Be mindful of the context and avoid using it in situations where it might come across as condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "feel pity for" when you actually want to express empathy. Pity often implies a sense of superiority, while empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. Choose words that reflect genuine understanding rather than just sorrow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel pity for" functions as a verb phrase, expressing an emotional reaction towards someone or something. Ludwig examples show it used to convey sadness or compassion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel pity for" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express sorrow or compassion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across news media and other contexts. However, be mindful of the connotations and context to avoid implying condescension. Consider using alternative phrases like ""feel sympathy for"" or ""have compassion for"" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. Be careful to not confuse pity with empathy. When communicating with

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have compassion for

Emphasizes a deep understanding and sharing of another's suffering, going beyond simple pity.

feel compassion towards

Similar to having compassion, but focuses on the direction of the feeling.

sympathize with

Indicates an understanding of someone's feelings, often implying shared experience.

feel sympathy for

Directly expresses a feeling of sorrow for someone's misfortune.

take pity on

Implies a decision to show mercy or kindness due to someone's suffering.

be sorry for

A more general expression of regret or sadness about someone's situation.

feel for

A more concise and informal way of expressing sympathy.

be moved by

Highlights the emotional impact of someone's situation, leading to feelings of pity or compassion.

show mercy to

Focuses on the act of demonstrating kindness and leniency towards someone in need.

have mercy on

Similar to showing mercy, but emphasizes the internal feeling that prompts the action.

FAQs

How can I use "feel pity for" in a sentence?

You can use "feel pity for" to express sorrow or compassion for someone's misfortune. For example, "I "feel pity for" anyone who has to go through such a difficult experience."

What are some alternatives to "feel pity for"?

Alternatives include "feel sympathy for", "have compassion for", or "sympathize with depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it always appropriate to "feel pity for" someone?

While "feel pity for" can be a genuine expression of concern, be mindful of the context. Sometimes, offering support or understanding can be more helpful than simply feeling pity, which may imply a sense of superiority.

What's the difference between "feel pity for" and "feel sorry for"?

While both phrases express sadness for someone's situation, "feel pity for" often carries a stronger connotation of condescension or distance. "Feel sorry for" can be more straightforward and less likely to imply a power imbalance.