show compassion for

USAGE SUMMARY

"show compassion for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about demonstrating kindness or sympathy towards someone or something. For example, "I believe we must show compassion for those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I wanted to show compassion for these mothers and no discrimination or judgment.

The Guardian

To care for and show compassion for patients takes emotional strength and resilience.

The Guardian

This is happening in cities like Raleigh, North Carolina, that go to great lengths to show compassion for the homeless.

The Guardian - Money

Do we show compassion for the killer because his actions are the result of his neurology, his low empathy?

The Guardian - Film

Rather than condemning the choices made, it is about time for society to support these women and show compassion for the painful ordeal they are experiencing".

The New Yorker

At the same time that we show compassion for a deserving individual in need of unusually expensive treatment, millions of Americans are denied badly needed routine care.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Bravo to the French court for showing compassion for what was a foolish yet loving act.

Independent

And as always, Robinson shows compassion for the victims of crime and their survivors.

The New York Times - Books

In the video, Dr. Weitz said, Dr. Carhart shows compassion for the women and concern for their medical safety.

The New York Times

But when Gwen shows compassion for the detainees, particularly a young Haitian mother with a sick infant, Aunt Rene bristles.

The New York Times

The #StandWithAhmed hashtag quickly took over social media, showing compassion for and camaraderie with the young American.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show compassion for" to encourage positive action and support, not just passive acknowledgment of someone's suffering.

Common error

Avoid using "show compassion for" when you actually mean to express pity or condescension. Compassion involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, while pity can imply a sense of superiority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show compassion for" functions as a verb phrase, where 'show' is the main verb and 'compassion for' acts as its object. It indicates the action of exhibiting empathy and understanding towards someone or something, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show compassion for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that encourages the demonstration of empathy and understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, but its communicative purpose is always to promote kindness and support. While synonyms exist, "show compassion for" is a direct and widely accepted way to urge empathetic behavior. It is important to differentiate it from pity to ensure that one's actions and words genuinely reflect empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate empathy toward

This emphasizes the act of outwardly displaying understanding and feeling for someone's situation.

extend sympathy to

Focuses on offering condolences and understanding during a difficult time.

offer understanding to

Highlights the act of trying to comprehend someone's situation or feelings.

express concern for

Emphasizes worry and care for someone's well-being.

provide support for

Focuses on giving assistance and encouragement.

be understanding of

Highlights the state of being receptive and tolerant towards someone's situation.

treat with kindness

Stresses the act of behaving in a gentle and considerate manner.

lend a sympathetic ear to

Focuses on listening and understanding someone's problems.

have mercy on

Emphasizes forgiveness and leniency towards someone.

bear someone no ill will

Focuses on not feeling hatred towards someone

FAQs

How can I use "show compassion for" in a sentence?

You can use "show compassion for" to express the act of demonstrating kindness and understanding towards someone or something. For example, "We should "show compassion for" those who are less fortunate."

What's a more formal way to say "show compassion for"?

A more formal alternative to "show compassion for" could be "demonstrate empathy toward" or "extend sympathy to" depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning in a more professional or academic setting.

Which is correct: "show compassion for" or "show compassion to"?

"Show compassion for" is generally preferred and more common. While "show compassion to" might be grammatically understandable, it is less frequently used and can sound slightly awkward.

What is the difference between "show compassion for" and "show concern for"?

While both phrases involve positive feelings, "show compassion for" implies a deeper level of understanding and empathy towards someone's suffering, while "show concern for" suggests a more general sense of worry or care about someone's well-being.