full of sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of sympathy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a lot of compassion or understanding for others' feelings or situations. Example: "She was full of sympathy for her friend who was going through a tough time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It's an excellent book: crisp and merciless yet funny and full of sympathy.

The New York Times - Books

Michael Powell once said about Peeping Tom, the movie that effectively wrecked his career: "It's full of sympathy.

The Guardian - Film

O'Mahoney wrote letters full of sympathy, certain that the sisters could never have committed such a crime.

The Guardian

Multi-layered, and gracefully narrated, [it] leaves the reader full of sympathy and wonder at the plight of its protagonists".

The Guardian - Books

I arrived at the veteran DJ's London apartment full of sympathy for his legal ordeal, and for a while everything went swimmingly.

The Times

In one of my favorite exchanges, she asks a patient, voice full of sympathy, if she has been a widow long.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Cohen inhabits Luter's existence as vitally as he inhabited the Israeli Army unit: it's a beautiful portrait, utterly engrossing, full of passionate sympathy.

The New Yorker

But it's also full of warmth and sympathy.

The Guardian - Books

She's full of praise and sympathy for the government, though she may be feeling particularly generous to ministers at the moment, having been awarded an honorary OBE in May for 30 years of service to children and families.

The Guardian

His debut was a brilliant piece, full of self-deprecation and sympathy for the embattled Ms. Stewart.

The New York Times

Stravinsky wrote a friend that Diaghilev "gives me horrible news about how people who were full of enthusiasm and unwavering sympathy for my earlier works have turned against this one".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of sympathy" to convey a sense of genuine compassion and understanding for someone's situation. Ensure the context makes it clear who is feeling the sympathy and for whom.

Common error

Avoid using "full of sympathy" in excessively formal or technical writing where a more objective or detached tone is required. Opt for phrases that emphasize understanding or recognition of the situation without implying emotional involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of sympathy" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's emotional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that the subject possesses a strong feeling of compassion or understanding towards another person's suffering.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of sympathy" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe someone who feels compassion or understanding for another person's plight. While it can be used across various registers, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for describing an emotional state, although alternative phrases such as "filled with compassion" or "showing great empathy" may be more appropriate depending on the context. When writing, consider the level of formality required and the specific nuance you wish to convey to ensure the most effective use of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with compassion

Emphasizes a deep awareness of another's suffering and a desire to alleviate it; slightly stronger than "full of sympathy".

moved by compassion

Highlights the act of being influenced by empathy; focuses on the emotional impact.

showing great empathy

Focuses on the act of demonstrating understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

deeply empathetic

Highlights a person's inherent ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

understanding and supportive

Focuses on comprehension and providing assistance; less about emotional depth.

compassionate and kind

Highlights traits of gentleness and helpfulness; emphasizes actions motivated by sympathy.

expressing heartfelt sorrow

Focuses on the outward display of sadness and concern for someone's misfortune.

with profound understanding

Stresses the depth of comprehension, often in intellectual or analytical contexts.

offering condolences

A formal expression of sympathy, typically offered after a death or serious loss.

showing deep concern

Highlights worry and attentiveness to someone's well-being, potentially less emotionally resonant.

FAQs

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

You can use "full of sympathy" to describe someone who feels compassion or understanding towards another person's suffering or misfortune. For example, "She was "full of sympathy" for her friend after the loss of her job".

What are some alternative phrases to "full of sympathy"?

Alternatives include "filled with compassion", "deeply empathetic", or "showing great empathy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "full of sympathy" in a professional setting?

It can be appropriate if expressing genuine concern is relevant and doesn't compromise professionalism. However, consider using phrases that emphasize understanding or support to maintain objectivity if needed.

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

"Full of sympathy" implies feeling sorrow or pity for someone's situation, while "full of empathy" suggests a deeper understanding and sharing of another person's feelings. "Full of empathy" involves putting yourself in someone else's shoes.