object of pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "object of pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that evokes feelings of sympathy or compassion from others. Example: "After losing her job and facing numerous challenges, she became the object of pity among her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

She becomes merely an object of pity.

The New York Times - Books

Watching yourself become irrelevant, an object of pity or puzzlement if acknowledged at all.

The New York Times

The celebrity, like the priest, was the true object of pity.

The Guardian - Opinion

To my younger friends Princess Margaret is an object of pity or indifference, if not derision.

The Guardian

His weak leadership has made him an object of pity, and he has only himself to blame.

The New York Times

Populist politics in Europe has turned refugees from an object of pity to one of suspicion and fear.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The poor were no longer passive objects of pity.

The Guardian - Arts

As objects of pity, the poor were one-dimensional.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm tired of this idea that African women can only be objects of pity.

The Guardian

For much of our history, gay men have been treated as lepers; at best, as objects of pity; and commonly as objects of disgust.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of her subjects did not like the politics of Ms. Helal's employer, while others were nervous about being seen as objects of pity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "object of pity" when you want to convey a sense of sadness or sympathy towards someone or something. Be mindful of the potential for condescension and consider whether another phrase might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Be careful not to use "object of pity" in a way that feels condescending or dismissive. Consider whether you are genuinely expressing sympathy or inadvertently belittling the subject. Using phrases like "subject of compassion" or "cause for sympathy" can sometimes be a more respectful alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "object of pity" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies someone or something as a recipient of feelings of sorrow and compassion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "object of pity" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe someone or something that elicits feelings of sorrow and compassion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and commonly used. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news and media, but writers should be mindful of the potential for condescension. Consider alternatives like "subject of compassion" or deserving of sympathy to avoid unintended implications. While the phrase is common, thoughtful consideration of its connotations is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of compassion

Focuses on the positive emotion of compassion rather than the negative association with pity.

cause for sympathy

Highlights the reason for feeling sympathetic towards someone or something.

deserving of compassion

Emphasizes the worthiness of the subject to receive compassionate feelings.

one to be pitied

A more direct and active construction, focusing on the act of pitying.

figure of sorrow

Highlights the visual or representative aspect of someone embodying sadness.

recipient of sympathy

Formal and emphasizes the act of receiving sympathy.

someone to feel sorry for

Informal and emphasizes the feeling of sorrow.

in a wretched state

Describes the condition that elicits pity, rather than the person.

poor soul

Informal and expresses gentle pity or sorrow.

unfortunate individual

Formal and focuses on the misfortune experienced by the person.

FAQs

How can "object of pity" be used in a sentence?

You can use "object of pity" to describe someone or something that evokes feelings of sympathy or compassion, such as "After the scandal, he became an "object of pity" for many".

What are some alternatives to "object of pity"?

You can use alternatives like "subject of compassion", "cause for sympathy", or "one to be pitied" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe someone as an "object of pity"?

No, it's important to consider the context and potential impact. Using the phrase can sometimes come across as condescending or dismissive. In some cases, it may be more appropriate to express empathy or understanding directly.

What's the difference between "object of pity" and "deserving of sympathy"?

"Object of pity" emphasizes the passive role of the person or thing receiving pity, while "deserving of sympathy" suggests a moral or ethical justification for feeling sympathy.