shows empathy for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shows empathy for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone’s ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Example: "The counselor shows empathy for her clients, making them feel heard and understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But unlike him, he shows empathy for what they have to say.

Independent

Set in Haiti, Myanmar and other places avoided by timid Western honeymooners, Fountain's book shows empathy for its hapless American protagonists and a nuanced understanding of the people they move among.

The New York Times - Books

Such advice hardly shows empathy for cancer patients who take the common-sense view that having cancer is just plain bad and who have more than enough to contend with without the pressure to pretend their clouds have silver linings.

The New York Times - Science

In an interview with the Egyptian paper, Al-Ahram Weekly, Paulin, a leading anti-Zionist, calls Brooklyn-born Jewish settlers "Nazis and racists", and insists: "I feel nothing but hatred for them". He also shows empathy for Palestinian suicide bombers, only criticising the tactic for its potential morale-boosting effect.

The Guardian

If she's mature for her age, takes direction well, uses common sense, has a calm nature and shows empathy for animals, she's probably ready for a pet of her own.

Huffington Post

It is about recognizing the qualities of character and effort that your child has shown in specific moments, whether in a big way or in smaller but important ways: when he shows empathy for someone else, takes pride in something he does, steps outside his comfort zone with a new experience, or rebounds from a failure and tries again.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Then he tried to show empathy for the clearly shaken shooting victim.

The New York Times

But it does not show empathy for the chaotic and diverse needs of customers.

Harvard Business Review

What we can learn from lab rats that don't show empathy for other rats.

The New York Times

Mr Obama once said that his ideal judge would show "empathy" for the poor.

The Economist

AFP: Frequently, the people who play "host" to new refugees don't show empathy for the newcomers in their midst.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shows empathy for", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates specific actions or statements that illustrate this empathy. Avoid vague claims without supporting evidence.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "shows empathy for" a situation without providing concrete examples of how they are demonstrating this empathy. Instead, describe their actions or words that convey understanding and support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shows empathy for" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action or quality of understanding and sharing the feelings of another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. This phrase is used to attribute the ability to understand someone’s emotion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shows empathy for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of understanding and sharing the feelings of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and correct in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While alternatives such as "demonstrates compassion for" and "expresses understanding towards" exist, "shows empathy for" effectively conveys the specific act of empathizing with someone or something. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and examples that clearly illustrate the empathy being displayed. The phrase has a neutral register, fitting for a wide array of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrates compassion for

This alternative replaces "shows empathy" with a more active and explicit expression of compassion.

expresses understanding towards

This phrase focuses on understanding as the primary action, highlighting intellectual rather than emotional connection.

displays sensitivity toward

This option emphasizes a general awareness and consideration of another's feelings.

is sympathetic to

This alternative uses a more direct adjective to describe the feeling towards someone.

feels compassion for

Focuses on the internal emotional experience of compassion.

understands and shares the feelings of

This phrase expands on empathy by explicitly mentioning both understanding and sharing feelings.

relates to the experiences of

This option emphasizes a personal connection and shared understanding.

is mindful of the suffering of

This phrase highlights awareness and consideration of another's pain.

is responsive to the needs of

Shifts the focus from emotions to practical needs and support.

takes others' feelings into account

This is a general expression for the action of considering others feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "shows empathy for" in a sentence?

You can use "shows empathy for" to describe someone who understands and shares the feelings of others. For example, "The doctor "shows empathy for" her patients by actively listening to their concerns".

What are some alternatives to "shows empathy for"?

Some alternatives to "shows empathy for" include "demonstrates compassion for", "expresses understanding towards", and "is sympathetic to".

How is "shows empathy for" different from "feels sympathy for"?

"Shows empathy for" implies a deeper understanding and sharing of another's feelings, while "feels sympathy for" suggests pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune. Empathy involves understanding, while sympathy involves feeling for.

Is it correct to say "shows empathy to" instead of "shows empathy for"?

While "shows empathy to" is sometimes used, "shows empathy for" is generally considered more grammatically correct and common. "For" indicates the object or recipient of the empathy.