feeling of sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of sympathy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an emotional response of compassion or understanding towards someone else's situation or feelings. Example: "After hearing about her loss, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of sympathy for her and her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was tough on the West Indies to lose Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, but there certainly isn't any feeling of sympathy.

The Guardian - Sport

And however infinitesimal their struggles must retroactively have felt in the light of her story, there will have been that acute pang of fellow feeling, of sympathy in its purest sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Why are we giving this any time?" Abdo said there was deep frustration among women in the Muslim community at being targeted by senior government figures, but there was also "a feeling of sympathy because our government is so pathetic".

The Guardian

Writer Chris Lang's inspiration came from recent high-profile historical crimes and a curious feeling of sympathy he felt for old men suddenly under the media spotlight for decades-old alleged offences.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"This arouses in Russian girls both a feeling of sympathy for these men, as well as a feeling of empowerment that they are better, more womanly, than Western women".

The New York Times - Style

Imagine that I am moved by a feeling of sympathy to formulate the maxim to help someone in need.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Three thousand people died in the disaster and the humanitarian crisis elicited strong feelings of sympathy.

The New York Times

Deepest feelings of sympathy to Lionel and the entire Barasch family.

The New York Times

In particular, interrupted sleep affected energy levels and "feelings of sympathy and friendliness".

Independent

He told the jury: "Put aside any feelings of sympathy and revulsion.

The Guardian

"I was surprised by the feelings of sympathy I had for Jeremy," he told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of sympathy" to express a general sense of compassion and understanding towards someone's suffering or misfortune. Avoid using it when a stronger sense of empathy or direct action is implied; consider alternatives like "sense of compassion" or "desire to help" in those cases.

Common error

While "feeling of sympathy" is acceptable in various contexts, overuse in formal writing may sound too emotional or sentimental. In formal reports or academic papers, consider using phrases that convey a more objective understanding, such as "acknowledgment of hardship" or "recognition of challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of sympathy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing an emotional state or response. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable expression. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence to express compassion or understanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling of sympathy" is a grammatically sound and recognizable phrase used to express compassion and understanding. According to Ludwig AI, its use is correct and appropriate. While it has a neutral tone and usage, it's essential to consider the audience and context when using it, opting for more formal or objective language in certain professional settings. Given its infrequent appearance across various sources, its usage can be considered rare. Consider related phrases like "sense of compassion" or "emotion of empathy" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of compassion

Emphasizes a deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with a desire to alleviate it, stronger than general sympathy.

emotion of empathy

Highlights the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, implying a deeper connection.

compassionate regard

Focuses on a thoughtful and considerate attitude towards someone in need, more formal.

pity for someone

Suggests sorrow and compassion for someone's misfortune, sometimes with a sense of condescension.

tenderheartedness

Highlights the gentle and caring nature of someone who easily feels sympathy, emphasizing a personal trait.

warmheartedness

Suggests a genuine and generous spirit that extends sympathy readily, more about character.

caring disposition

Highlights a natural inclination to care for and feel sympathy for others, focuses on personality.

concern for others

Emphasizes worry and interest in the well-being of others, might not always involve sympathy.

understanding attitude

Highlights the ability to comprehend someone's situation and feelings, which can lead to sympathy.

kindred spirit

Suggests a shared feeling or connection with someone, which fosters a natural sense of sympathy.

FAQs

What is the difference between "feeling of sympathy" and "feeling of empathy"?

"Feeling of sympathy" involves acknowledging another person's hardship and feeling sorry for them, while "feeling of empathy" goes deeper by understanding and sharing their feelings. Empathy involves putting yourself in their shoes, while sympathy remains more detached.

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

You can use "feeling of sympathy" to describe your emotional response to someone's situation. For example, "I had a "feeling of sympathy" for her after hearing about her loss."

What are some alternatives to "feeling of sympathy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sense of compassion", "pity", or "concern for others". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to express a "feeling of sympathy" in a professional setting?

Expressing a "feeling of sympathy" can be appropriate in a professional setting, but it's important to be genuine and respectful. Avoid being overly emotional or intrusive. A simple expression of concern and understanding can be effective.