it is easy to sympathize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is easy to sympathize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that one can easily understand or share the feelings of another person. Example: "After hearing her story, it is easy to sympathize with her struggles and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is easy to sympathize with the management of Silvercorp.

The New York Times

On some level, it is easy to sympathize with Jim Talent.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is easy to sympathize with Washington's frustration; New York has moved in slow motion.

The New York Times

It is easy to sympathize with the members of the Grand Ronde.

The New York Times

The "Green Acres" shenanigans are set in Fairhope, Ala., on Mobile Bay, where the temperatures are serious enough that it is easy to sympathize with him.

The New York Times - Arts

It is easy to sympathize with the poet of 1841 who wrote of the daguerreotype, "Truth is unpleasant/ to prince and to peasant".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Nick is more diffident and watchful, and it is easier to sympathize with someone tormented by the death of his mother and the toxic legacy of his father's neglect.

The New York Times

It's easy to sympathize with Kathryn.

The New York Times - Arts

It's easy to sympathize with both of them.

The New York Times - Books

It's easy to sympathize with the golem.

The New York Times - Books

It was easy to sympathize with the president and the mess she'd inherited.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is easy to sympathize" when you want to convey that a person's situation or feelings are readily understandable and evoke empathy. It's particularly effective when explaining why someone's reaction or behavior is reasonable given their circumstances.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "it is easy to sympathize" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced expressions like "one can readily appreciate" or "their challenges warrant consideration" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is easy to sympathize" functions as an evaluative statement, indicating that understanding and sharing the feelings of someone is readily achievable. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase prefaces an explanation of why a person or group's actions or feelings are understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is easy to sympathize" is a grammatically correct phrase used to convey that someone's feelings or situation is readily understandable and evokes empathy. As Ludwig confirms, the expression sees use largely in the news and media sectors. While generally acceptable, one may benefit from replacing the expression in highly formal contexts with more descriptive and nuanced options. Remember to use the expression mindfully and to be specific and accurate in your expression of empathy!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's understandable to feel compassion for

Replaces "easy" with "understandable" and "sympathize" with "feel compassion", shifting the focus slightly towards emotional understanding.

it's natural to empathize with

Substitutes "easy" with "natural" and "sympathize" with "empathize", suggesting an instinctive understanding.

one can readily relate to

Replaces the entire initial clause with a more formal "one can readily" and uses "relate to" instead of "sympathize", emphasizing shared experience.

it's simple to empathize

Replaces "easy" with "simple", conveying the same meaning with a slightly different tone.

understanding their position is straightforward

Focuses on understanding someone's situation rather than sharing their feelings directly.

it is not difficult to feel for

Uses a double negative to express ease of feeling sympathy, adding a subtle layer of complexity.

i can see where they are coming from

Shifts to a first-person perspective, indicating personal understanding of someone's viewpoint.

i get what they're going through

An informal expression indicating understanding of someone's experience.

i feel their pain

A more emphatic expression of shared suffering.

their situation elicits sympathy

Focuses on the situation causing sympathy, rather than the ease of feeling it.

FAQs

What does "it is easy to sympathize with" mean?

The phrase "it is easy to sympathize with" means that it is simple to understand and share the feelings of a person or group because their situation evokes empathy.

How can I use "it is easy to sympathize" in a sentence?

You can use "it is easy to sympathize" to explain why someone's actions or feelings are understandable, such as, "After learning about the hardships they faced, "it is easy to sympathize" with their decisions."

Are there more formal alternatives to "it is easy to sympathize"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives like "one can readily appreciate", "it is understandable to feel compassion for", or "their challenges warrant consideration". These phrases add a level of sophistication suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "it is easy to sympathize" and "it is easy to empathize"?

While both phrases convey understanding, "sympathize" often implies feeling sorry for someone's situation, while "empathize" suggests a deeper connection and understanding of their feelings as if you were experiencing them yourself. So, "it's natural to empathize with" someone may imply more emotional connection than just finding it "it is easy to sympathize".