feels compassion for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feels compassion for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing empathy or concern for someone else's situation or feelings. Example: "She feels compassion for the victims of the natural disaster and wants to help in any way she can."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She knows women who had abortions as teenagers, and feels compassion for them.

The New York Times

I wonder if she feels compassion for the addicts whose fertility she has bought.

The Guardian

When IDS says he wants to help them, and feels compassion for their plight, I believe him.

The Guardian - Opinion

ALTHOUGH one feels compassion for Governor McGreevey's self-described torture, his resignation is not about sexual orientation or marital infidelity.

The New York Times

Prosecutors have introduced evidence indicating that Mr. Hayes was self-absorbed, and they have suggested that numerous suicide attempts may have been faked to persuade the jury that he feels compassion for his victims.

The New York Times

The Bhagavad-gita says that a godly person feels compassion for others, seeing that their suffering is caused by ignorance - by not knowing that we are all eternal parts of the supreme spirit, capable of enjoying eternal happiness.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I feel compassion for them.

The New York Times

He felt compassion for her.

The Guardian

And to see if they felt compassion for her now.

The New Yorker

"Feel compassion for these creatures," we are told.

The New York Times

Things that used to make me feel guilty, I now feel compassion for.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feels compassion for" to express a genuine sense of empathy and understanding towards someone's suffering or situation. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting a character's emotional response in literature or when discussing humanitarian efforts.

Common error

While "feels compassion for" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "shows empathy toward" or "is moved by" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feels compassion for" functions as a verb phrase expressing an emotional response of empathy and concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid way to describe someone experiencing compassion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feels compassion for" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to express empathy and understanding. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's essential to be mindful of context and avoid overuse. The phrase appears across various sources, including news, academic, and wiki platforms, indicating a neutral register. For stronger impact and writing variety, consider alternatives such as "has sympathy for" or "is moved by".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has sympathy for

Focuses on sharing the suffering or sorrow of another.

shows empathy toward

Highlights the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

is moved by

Emphasizes the emotional impact of someone's situation.

pities

Indicates sorrow and compassion for someone's misfortune.

is sympathetic to

Conveys understanding and support for someone's feelings.

is concerned for

Focuses on worry and care for someone's well-being.

feels for

A more concise way of expressing empathy.

takes pity on

Implies a sense of sorrowful compassion.

is touched by

Highlights the emotional effect of a situation or person.

expresses compassion towards

Formally conveys outward compassion.

FAQs

How can I use "feels compassion for" in a sentence?

You can use "feels compassion for" to describe someone's empathetic reaction. For instance: "She feels compassion for the refugees and wants to help them rebuild their lives."

What are some alternatives to "feels compassion for"?

Alternatives include "has sympathy for", "shows empathy toward", or "is moved by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feels compassion for" formal or informal?

"Feels compassion for" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative like "expresses empathy towards".

What's the difference between "feels compassion for" and "feels sympathy for"?

While similar, "feels compassion for" often implies a deeper understanding and connection to someone's suffering, whereas "feels sympathy for" can sometimes be a more detached or intellectual acknowledgment of another's plight.