looking for empathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for empathy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire for understanding or compassion from others in various contexts, such as personal conversations or discussions about emotional support. Example: "In times of distress, I find myself looking for empathy from my friends and family to help me cope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I think a lot of times you are looking for empathy and you want someone to feel the way you do.

The New York Times

You can tell the difference by looking for empathy.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Underground Man never asks for sympathy, but often looks for empathy.

The Guardian - Books

We look for empathy in our politicians, just as we look for it in our priests or rabbis, yet we sometimes question the sincerity of the awkward mix of public crying and political aspiration.

The New Yorker

Don't look for empathy, interest in your life or praise.

Forbes

What they're looking for is empathy.

The Guardian - Money

It's alive through animatronic technology and it keeps looking for human empathy, perhaps even compassion. .

Vice

Other qualities he or she will be looking for include empathy, confidence, creativity, persistence, and organization.

WikiHow

I am still looking for trust, humor, empathy, curiosity -- the same old things I've always looked for -- but the stages I find myself going through to get there are new.

Huffington Post

However, what if we went looking for a jurist whose quality of empathy, and whose demonstrated regard for the lives of ordinary citizens, made him or her the ideal, if unlikely, candidate for the court?

Huffington Post

5. Find good mentors but also be willing to pay it forward too.David looks for "empathy, humility, ability to listen, and subject matter expertise" in his own mentors.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "looking for empathy" from someone, be clear about your needs. This helps others understand how they can best offer support.

Common error

Don't assume people inherently know you're "looking for empathy". Clearly communicate your feelings to foster a supportive environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for empathy" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a desire or need. It suggests that the speaker is actively seeking understanding and emotional connection from others, reflecting a state of vulnerability or a need for support as the examples in Ludwig show.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking for empathy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a need for understanding and emotional support. While relatively rare, its usage is primarily seen in news, media, and wiki contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, underscoring its function as a verbal phrase aimed at eliciting compassion. When using the phrase, clarity and directness are key to effectively communicating your needs and fostering supportive relationships. Alternatives include "seeking understanding" or "wanting compassion" depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking understanding

Focuses on the intellectual aspect of comprehension rather than the emotional connection.

wanting compassion

Emphasizes the desire for sympathetic concern for one's suffering.

needing emotional support

Highlights the requirement for assistance in managing one's feelings.

desiring validation

Focuses on the need for confirmation of one's feelings or experiences.

craving emotional connection

Implies a deep longing for a bond based on shared feelings.

searching for rapport

Highlights the act of looking for a harmonious relationship.

in pursuit of sympathy

Expresses actively seeking a sympathetic response from someone.

yearning for solace

Emphasizes seeking comfort and relief in times of distress.

requiring moral support

Stresses the necessity of encouragement and backing in difficult situations.

expecting considerate response

Highlights the anticipation of receiving a thoughtful reaction from someone.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "looking for empathy" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for empathy" to express your need for understanding and compassion from others. For example: "After a difficult day, I was "looking for empathy" from my family."

What are some alternatives to "looking for empathy"?

Alternatives include "seeking understanding", "wanting compassion", or "needing emotional support", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "looking for empathy" or "searching for empathy"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""looking for empathy"" implies a more immediate or present need, while "searching for empathy" suggests a more prolonged effort.

When is it appropriate to say I'm "looking for empathy"?

It's appropriate when you're seeking emotional support, understanding, or validation from others during a challenging time or when expressing vulnerability.