show sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

"show sympathy" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when expressing understanding, support, or condolence for someone who is dealing with a difficult situation. For example, "When my friend lost her job, I wanted to do something to help, so I showed sympathy by offering to listen whenever she needed to talk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The widows nod to show sympathy.

The New York Times

Baxter's sponsors continue to show sympathy.

The Guardian - Sport

"Many show sympathy for the arrests, the killing, the jailing".

The New York Times

"It's a way to show sympathy," Reilly said.

The New York Times - Sports

But the public is not in the mood to show sympathy to bankers these days.

The New York Times

You can't show sympathy for anybody, because nobody shows any sympathy for you".

Independent

The audience members show sympathy for these two sad kids until, out of the blue, a man starts heckling.

The New York Times - Books

The human capacity to inflict pain is remarkable, as is our capacity to show sympathy and kindness.

The New York Times

The anti-Federalist opponents of the Constitution wanted representatives who would show "sympathy" for the interests of their constituents.

The New York Times

And other research indicates that people's inclination to show sympathy is even more sensitive to cultural similarities.

Harvard Business Review

The real point of the tax holiday proposal is, of course, to show sympathy for the little guy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show sympathy", be genuine and avoid insincere displays. Tailor your response to the specific situation and the individual's needs.

Common error

Avoid using "show sympathy" in a way that implies superiority or condescension. Sympathy involves understanding and sharing another's feelings, while pity can suggest a feeling of looking down on someone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show sympathy" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed by someone. It involves expressing understanding and compassion towards another person's suffering or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show sympathy" is a common and grammatically sound way to express compassion and support for others. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use. It's essential to use the phrase genuinely and tailor your response to the specific situation, avoiding insincere displays or condescension. Alternatives such as "express compassion", "offer condolences", and "extend support" can provide nuanced ways to convey your feelings. Being mindful of the context and ensuring sincerity are key to effectively showing sympathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display empathy

Focuses on sharing and understanding the feelings of another person.

express compassion

Focuses more directly on the feeling of compassion rather than the act of showing it.

share grief

Specifically refers to sharing sorrow or mourning with someone.

offer condolences

Specifically used when someone has experienced a loss or bereavement.

provide comfort

Highlights the act of soothing or alleviating someone's distress.

extend support

Highlights the act of providing assistance or help in a difficult situation.

lend a shoulder

An idiomatic expression for offering emotional support and a listening ear.

demonstrate understanding

Emphasizes the intellectual aspect of recognizing and acknowledging someone's feelings.

be supportive

A broader term that encompasses various ways of assisting and encouraging someone.

reach out to

Suggests making an effort to connect with someone in need of support.

FAQs

How can I use "show sympathy" in a sentence?

You can use "show sympathy" to describe actions or expressions that convey understanding and support for someone experiencing hardship. For example, "The community came together to "show sympathy" for the families affected by the disaster".

What are some alternatives to "show sympathy"?

Alternatives to "show sympathy" include "express compassion", "offer condolences", or "extend support", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "show sympathy" or "show empathy"?

Both "show sympathy" and "show empathy" are valuable, but empathy involves a deeper understanding and sharing of another person's feelings. Sympathy is more about acknowledging their feelings.

How do you "show sympathy" without being insincere?

Sincerity in showing sympathy comes from genuinely listening to the other person, acknowledging their feelings, and offering support in a way that is meaningful to them. Avoid generic responses and focus on being present and understanding.