i empathize with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I empathize with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing understanding or sharing feelings with someone else's experiences or emotions. Example: "I empathize with your situation; it must be incredibly challenging to go through such a difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I empathize with them.

The New York Times

I empathize with him.

The New York Times - Sports

I empathize with the torturer.

The New Yorker

I empathize with grieving humanity.

The New York Times - Travel

I empathize with his feelings of jealousy.

The New York Times

And anyhow, maybe I empathize with Lonzi.

The New Yorker

I empathize with the city's plight.

The New York Times

I empathize with each of them.

The Guardian

"I empathize with their problems, with their issues.

The New Yorker

" 'I empathize with these other cases and support them.

The New York Times

"I empathize with families of children with these disorders.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "I empathize with" with a specific reason or explanation to show that you truly understand the person's perspective and are not just paying lip service.

Common error

Avoid using "I empathize with" as a way to excuse or justify harmful behavior. Empathy should lead to understanding and support, not condoning negative actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I empathize with" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. As indicated by Ludwig, it conveys a sense of connection and shared experience, seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I empathize with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey understanding and shared feelings. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and even in scientific discussions. While alternatives like "I sympathize with" exist, "I empathize with" suggests a deeper level of emotional connection. Remember to use it genuinely and avoid misusing empathy to justify inappropriate behavior. The phrase appears across authoritative sources, solidifying its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I sympathize with

Uses a different verb to express a similar feeling of understanding and compassion.

I feel for

Expresses sorrow or pity for someone's misfortune or situation.

I understand your feelings

Focuses on acknowledging and comprehending the other person's emotional state.

I share your sorrow

Indicates a shared feeling of sadness or grief.

My heart goes out to

Expresses deep sympathy and concern for someone's suffering.

I am sorry for your trouble

A formal way of expressing sympathy for someone's difficulties.

I can relate to

Highlights a personal connection or shared experience with the other person's situation.

I feel your pain

Emphasizes a deep understanding of someone's suffering, often from personal experience.

I am sensitive to

Highlights awareness and understanding of someone else's feelings and experiences.

I am mindful of

Implies a deliberate effort to be aware and considerate of someone's situation.

FAQs

How can I use "I empathize with" in a sentence?

You can use "I empathize with" to express understanding and shared feelings towards someone's experiences. For example, "I empathize with your frustration regarding the delayed project."

What's a formal alternative to "I empathize with"?

A more formal alternative is "I sympathize with". However, "I empathize with" itself is suitable for many professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "I empathize for" instead of "I empathize with"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "empathize" in this context is "with". "I empathize with" is the standard and grammatically correct form.

What is the difference between "I sympathize with" and "I empathize with"?

"I sympathize with" implies feeling pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune, while "I empathize with" suggests a deeper understanding and sharing of their feelings or experiences. Empathy involves understanding the other person's perspective, whereas sympathy involves feeling sorry for them.