sympathetic colleagues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sympathetic colleagues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe coworkers who are understanding and compassionate towards others' feelings or situations. Example: "During tough times, it's comforting to have sympathetic colleagues who offer support and encouragement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Company rules emphasized privacy, forbidding employees with disputes from seeking out sympathetic colleagues or sharing documents.

The New York Times

In these mythical kitchens in magazines and on TV you graft hard and pursue your passion – it's always about "passion" – encouraged by sympathetic colleagues, and a fair wage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alas, just as Mr. Aimard's Teldec career was getting off the ground, the company lost its independent existence, and he lost his sympathetic colleagues within it.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet sympathetic colleagues remember with some bitterness that in 1995, when he could well have won, he declined to be the Socialists' candidate in the presidential election which was won, of course, by the centre-right's Jacques Chirac.

The Economist

But as his less sympathetic colleagues point out, it was once a rarity to find him beyond Watford – a fact that often caused tensions with his party's northern MPs.

Independent

Outside the school's Peter Jay Sharp Theater a long line of people stood in the wintry chill, hoping to get tickets for the first concert of Focus! 2008: All About Elliott, the school's free, weeklong festival devoted to music by Mr. Carter, interspersed with works by composers who influenced him and by sympathetic colleagues.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She's drawn to a sympathetic colleague (Ronald Zehrfeld), but is he a Stasi informant?

The New York Times

Only Kunal Kapoor, as a more sympathetic colleague of Don's, has human moments.

The New York Times

Above a certain level of responsibility, objections would simply be ignored or, at best, dealt with by a sympathetic colleague.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even with a sympathetic colleague, Mercer, she becomes snappish and hostile when he tactlessly broaches the idea of a piece on gender relations.

The Guardian

A sympathetic colleague gave Abu Hajer the paperwork he needed to pass Isis checkpoints on the way out of Syria, he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sympathetic colleagues", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for their sympathy. Be specific about the situation or hardship they are responding to for greater clarity.

Common error

Don't assume the reader automatically understands why colleagues are "sympathetic". Provide context to prevent ambiguity and ensure the reader grasps the specific circumstances eliciting the sympathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sympathetic colleagues" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sympathetic" modifies the noun "colleagues". The phrase generally describes colleagues who express understanding, care, and support. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sympathetic colleagues" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe coworkers who exhibit understanding and compassion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable expression in written English. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using "sympathetic colleagues", it's important to provide context to clarify the reason for their sympathy. Alternative phrases include "understanding coworkers" and "compassionate colleagues", offering similar but slightly different nuances. Understanding the specific meaning will help ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding coworkers

Focuses on the aspect of comprehension and empathy among colleagues. Meaning is largely similar with a slight shift in emphasis.

compassionate colleagues

Highlights the element of compassion and caring among coworkers. Slightly stronger emotional connotation.

supportive colleagues

Emphasizes the aspect of providing assistance and encouragement. Focuses on actions rather than feelings.

empathetic coworkers

Stresses the ability to share and understand the feelings of another. More formal and psychological.

considerate colleagues

Implies thoughtfulness and awareness of others' needs and feelings. Centers on careful behavior.

caring colleagues

Highlights a sense of concern and protectiveness among colleagues. Emphasizes emotional support.

kindred coworkers

Suggests a sense of shared values or experiences leading to sympathy. More figurative and literary.

colleagues offering solace

Centers on the provision of comfort or consolation during difficult times. More specific in context.

colleagues showing empathy

Highlights demonstrated empathy of colleagues. More descriptive.

understanding peers

Focuses on peers showing understanding, emphasizing a shared level or status. It's more specific about the professional hierarchy.

FAQs

How can I use "sympathetic colleagues" in a sentence?

You can use "sympathetic colleagues" to describe coworkers who show understanding and compassion. For example, "During the project's setbacks, I was grateful for my "sympathetic colleagues" who offered encouragement and support."

What are some alternatives to "sympathetic colleagues"?

Alternatives include "understanding coworkers", "compassionate colleagues", or "supportive colleagues" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sympathetic colleagues" in a formal setting?

Yes, "sympathetic colleagues" is appropriate in formal settings when describing coworkers who demonstrate empathy and understanding. It's a professional way to acknowledge their support.

What is the difference between "sympathetic colleagues" and "friendly colleagues"?

"Sympathetic colleagues" implies a deeper level of understanding and compassion, often in response to a specific hardship or challenge. "Friendly colleagues" simply indicates a generally positive and amicable relationship.