sympathetic towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sympathetic towards" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone's attitude or feelings about a particular situation or person. For example, "John was sympathetic towards those who were struggling financially during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was sympathetic towards May.

The Guardian

He is less sympathetic towards Lalas, understandably.

The Guardian - Sport

So, for those reasons, they are sympathetic towards me.

The Telegraph

Thatcher, like May, was very sympathetic towards Israel.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't feel sympathetic towards them, but they are inevitable.

The Guardian

He is surprisingly sympathetic towards England – scorched by Luis Suárez.

The Guardian - Sport

The Times is the most sympathetic towards Dr Kelly's plight.

The Guardian

The mood appears to be largely sympathetic towards Hodgson.

Independent

Research shows that people are more sympathetic towards an identifiable person than towards a group.

University of California, Berkeley

"I'm sympathetic towards any attempt to re-empower local communities, really I am," he says.

The Guardian

And that will lead you to feel more sympathetic towards your future mother-in-law.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sympathetic towards", ensure it accurately reflects the degree of understanding and compassion you wish to convey. Choose synonyms if a different nuance is needed.

Common error

In very formal writing, consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "empathetic to" or "supportive of" if "sympathetic towards" feels too mild. Assess your audience and context before deciding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sympathetic towards" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate understanding, compassion, or agreement. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, providing many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sympathetic towards" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signals understanding and compassion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, academic papers, and general online content. While generally appropriate, remember to consider the specific context and intended nuance. In very formal or scientific writing, alternatives like "empathetic to" or "supportive of" may offer greater precision. By understanding these subtle differences, you can effectively communicate your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Compassionate toward

Focuses more on the feeling of compassion.

Empathetic to

Focuses on sharing the feelings of another.

Understanding of

Emphasizes comprehension of a situation or person.

Feeling for

Conveys a sense of sorrow or pity for someone's situation.

Well-disposed toward

Suggests a favorable or positive attitude.

Kindly disposed to

Implies a gentle and benevolent attitude.

Supportive of

Highlights active support or advocacy.

Leaning towards

Suggests agreement or favoring an idea or option.

Agreeing with

Directly expresses agreement.

On the side of

Indicates siding with a particular person or cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "sympathetic towards" to describe someone who understands and shares the feelings of another, such as, "The therapist was "sympathetic towards" her client's struggles".

What's the difference between "sympathetic towards" and "empathetic towards"?

"Sympathetic towards" implies understanding and concern, while "empathetic towards" suggests a deeper, shared feeling. Empathy involves experiencing the other person's emotions, whereas sympathy involves understanding them.

What are some alternatives to saying "sympathetic towards"?

Alternatives include phrases like "compassionate toward", "understanding of", or "supportive of", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sympathetic towards"?

Yes, "sympathetic towards" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is used to express understanding and concern for someone or something.