feel sadness for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel sadness for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing empathy or compassion towards someone else's emotional pain or loss. Example: "I feel sadness for those affected by the recent tragedy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But who could fail to feel sadness for a girl who tried so hard to defeat her demons, and failed so terminally?

The Guardian - Opinion

It is easy to be critical of the events that led to Bobby's capture more than 30 years ago and feel sadness for the life he spent among humans rather than with other gorillas in the wilds of Equatorial Guinea.

The Guardian

So, for example, we don't feel sadness for Romeo and Juliet, but rather for people in the actual world who have led relevantly similar lives.

SEP

"Still, I see the defendants cry and I feel sadness for them.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I just felt sadness for her".

Huffington Post

In some cases, it may only be the ability to feel sadness or pity for the offender," said Wade.

Huffington Post

And for those who can not, or will not see the reason for this, the purpose of this, the need for this; I feel sadness.

Huffington Post

"I feel sadness because we are changing Nokia and what it stands for.

TechCrunch

Does he feel sadness?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I feel sadness.

The New York Times

"You feel sadness," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel sadness for" to express empathy or sorrow, especially when acknowledging someone else's suffering or loss. It conveys a sense of shared emotion and understanding.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "feel sad" when you intend to express deep empathy or sorrow for someone else's situation. "Feel sadness for" adds a layer of compassion, indicating a connection to the other person's experience, whereas "feel sad" might sound self-centered or generic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel sadness for" functions as a verb phrase expressing an emotional state directed towards a specific recipient. Ludwig indicates that it is a usable phrase for expressing empathy. Examples show it used to convey sorrow for individuals or groups experiencing hardship.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel sadness for" is a grammatically sound and appropriate way to express empathy and compassion, with Ludwig highlighting its correctness. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sincere emotional connection to those experiencing hardship or loss. While alternatives like "feel sorrow for" or "feel compassion for" offer nuanced variations, "feel sadness for" remains a versatile and effective choice for acknowledging and sharing in the emotional pain of others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel sorrow for

Emphasizes deep regret and mourning, slightly more formal than "feel sadness for".

feel grief for

Conveys a profound sense of loss and bereavement, suggesting a more intense emotional experience.

feel compassion for

Highlights empathetic understanding and concern for someone's suffering, focusing on kindness and care.

feel sympathy for

Expresses a sense of shared feeling, acknowledging another's hardship or suffering.

feel pity for

Implies a condescending sorrow or feeling of superiority, often best avoided unless the context is very clear.

be saddened by

A passive construction emphasizing the cause of sadness, rather than the feeling itself.

mourn for

Highlights the act of grieving or lamenting someone's loss, suggesting a period of sorrow.

lament for

Expresses deep sorrow or regret, often in a more formal or literary context.

feel regret for

Highlights a sense of remorse or disappointment over a past action or event.

be sorry for

A more general expression of remorse or sympathy, suitable for a variety of situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel sadness for" to express empathy or sorrow towards someone or something. For example, "I "feel sadness for" those affected by the recent tragedy" or "She "feels sadness for" the loss of her friend".

What's the difference between "feel sad for" and "feel sadness for"?

"Feel sad for" is a more general expression of sympathy, while ""feel sadness for"" emphasizes a deeper, more profound sense of sorrow or empathy. The latter often implies a stronger connection to the subject's suffering.

What are some alternatives to "feel sadness for"?

Alternatives include "feel sorrow for", "feel grief for", or "feel compassion for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I feel sadness for myself"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common to say "I feel sad about myself" or "I feel sadness regarding my situation". "Feel sadness for" is typically used when expressing empathy towards others.