show some humanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show some humanity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to demonstrate kindness, empathy and compassion. For example, "When the homeless man stumbled over the street, everyone around him stopped and showed him some humanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I call on the prime minister to show some humanity".

The Guardian

"It is now the responsibility of the Australian parliament to step up and to show some humanity".

Independent

He agreed with the repainting, as "a restart button" to convene a new discussion and to encourage customers to "show some humanity and sensitivity with what you're writing".

The New York Times

"It is time for the minister to show some humanity and compassion and fly this desperate woman to Australia for appropriate care," Owler said.

The Guardian

As he walked along the pit lane on Sunday, listening to the cheers of the crowd and giving way to tears when other teams came out to join the applause and his wife and small son arrived to embrace him, there was a glimpse of a better Formula One, one unafraid to show some humanity.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Bush showed some humanity, and he didn't make any gaffes.

The New Yorker

Iniesta had shown some humanity with his gesture, and taken the consequences.

The New York Times

By John Cassidy September 9, 2015 Bush showed some humanity, and he didn't make any gaffes.

The New Yorker

Having shown some humanity, however, he was also content to fall back on a number of all-too-familiar Republican nostrums.

The New Yorker

The final breakthrough happened when a customer service rep, whose mantra had been, "There's nothing I can do," showed some humanity when I asked her, "If it were your 6 week old baby, what would you do?" She pulled her supervisor out of an all day meeting.

Huffington Post

Show some humility, and some humanity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, be specific about the context and what showing humanity would entail. For example, "Instead of implementing these strict policies, show some humanity by considering the individual circumstances of each case."

Common error

Avoid using "show some humanity" in overly abstract or theoretical discussions where the connection to real human experiences is weak. The phrase is most effective when tied to concrete situations and individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show some humanity" functions as an imperative, directly urging someone to act with kindness, empathy, and consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to prompt a display of compassionate behavior. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts where individuals or systems are perceived as lacking compassion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show some humanity" serves as a potent call to action, urging individuals to exhibit compassion and empathy, particularly in situations where those qualities appear to be lacking. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and best used in scenarios where concrete human experiences are involved, avoiding overly abstract contexts. While its usage frequency is relatively rare, it is an impactful appeal found mainly in news and media when people need compassion and ethical behavior. Related phrases like "demonstrate compassion" and "exhibit empathy" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Therefore, when you use "show some humanity", be sure to be specific about the context and target your message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate compassion

Focuses on the act of displaying compassionate feelings.

exhibit empathy

Highlights the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

act with kindness

Emphasizes the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.

be more considerate

Directs towards thoughtfulness and sensitivity in one's actions.

display understanding

Suggests the importance of comprehension and acceptance of others' situations.

extend grace

Implies offering forgiveness and compassion, especially when it's not strictly deserved.

offer a gesture of goodwill

Highlights the act of demonstrating positive intentions and kindness.

practice ethical behavior

Shifts the focus to adhering to moral principles in one's conduct.

adopt a humane approach

Calls for treatment that respects the inherent dignity of all individuals.

treat with dignity

Stresses the importance of acknowledging and respecting someone's inherent worth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "show some humanity"?

You can use alternatives such as "demonstrate compassion", "exhibit empathy", or "act with kindness" to convey a similar message.

In what situations is it appropriate to say "show some humanity"?

It's appropriate when urging someone to consider the human impact of their actions, particularly in situations involving vulnerable individuals or sensitive ethical considerations. The phrase is best used when addressing people in positions of power.

Is "show some humanity" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly used in persuasive or critical discourse than in casual conversation. You can find it in "news and media" when a call to action is required.

What is the tone of "show some humanity"?

The tone can range from earnest and pleading to accusatory, depending on the context and the speaker's intent. It often carries an implication that the person being addressed is currently lacking in compassion or understanding.