show of compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show of compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an act or gesture that demonstrates kindness or empathy towards others. Example: "The community organized a show of compassion for the victims of the disaster, providing food and shelter to those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

New Jersey's legalization of medically prescribed marijuana is not, as you state, a "show of compassion".

The New York Times

Musician Billy Bragg told the Observer that he thought the rally was a show of compassion.

The Guardian

In an impressive show of compassion and bravery, Taro sneaks out of the camp to get fresh fish for his brother, which helps renew his spirits.

The New York Times - Books

What impressed the 10-year-old Thompson as much as the victory was Keino's show of compassion, not simply sportsmanship, toward Ryun, who was devastated by the loss.

The New York Times - Sports

Many of us loved hmbalison's story, of how her pregnant sister's show of compassion and understanding helped her get through the baby shower.

The New York Times

In a putative show of compassion, federal authorities released them after putting an electronic homing device on each woman's ankle to monitor her whereabouts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He can turn Chekhov's words into droll, sour music with the gentlest of emphasis: "Wonderful with the sick," he says of Arkadina's shows of compassion.

The New Yorker

How do we make those shows of compassion more tangible?

Huffington Post

Chimpanzees show evidence of compassion, as do some monkeys; even mice seem to feel the pain of close peers.

The New York Times

There are practitioners showing lack of compassion and students noticing it in all healthcare professions.

The Guardian

Even an elf is shown capable of compassion and empathy; the spiteful and arrogant Mrs Earwig (who in a Roald Dahl story would be a tornado of unremitting spite) is courageous in the final battle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show of compassion" when you want to emphasize a visible or demonstrable act of kindness or empathy. It's particularly effective when describing how people respond to suffering or hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "show of compassion" when "show of pity" is more appropriate. Compassion involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, while pity can sometimes imply a sense of superiority or disdain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show of compassion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an event or action that demonstrates empathy and kindness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show of compassion" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to describe a visible act of empathy or kindness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, to highlight positive responses to suffering or hardship. When using the phrase, be mindful of the nuance between compassion and pity, and consider alternatives like "act of kindness" or "gesture of empathy" to fine-tune your meaning. Its register is generally neutral, making it versatile for various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassionate act

A direct synonym emphasizing the compassionate nature of the deed.

gesture of empathy

Highlights the emotional understanding conveyed through the action.

act of kindness

Focuses on a specific action demonstrating goodwill.

caring deed

A simple and straightforward way to describe an act of kindness.

display of sympathy

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow or concern for someone's suffering that is made visible.

humanitarian gesture

Indicates a broad and selfless act aimed at alleviating suffering.

benevolent act

Highlights the charitable and well-meaning nature of the action.

expression of humanity

Suggests a fundamental demonstration of caring and concern inherent in human nature.

thoughtful action

Focuses on the consideration and care behind the act.

moment of grace

Implies a particularly elegant and considerate act of kindness.

FAQs

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

You can use "show of compassion" to describe an act or demonstration of empathy and kindness towards others. For example, "The community organized a "show of compassion" for the victims of the natural disaster".

What are some alternatives to "show of compassion"?

Alternatives to "show of compassion" include "act of kindness", "gesture of empathy", or "display of sympathy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "show of compassion" and "show of empathy"?

While both terms are related, "show of compassion" emphasizes the outward action motivated by empathy, while "show of empathy" focuses more on the demonstration of understanding and sharing another person's feelings.

Is "show of compassion" formal or informal?

"Show of compassion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication, but usually tends to be neutral.