sympathize with him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sympathize with him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing understanding or compassion for someone's feelings or situation. Example: "After hearing about his struggles, I truly sympathize with him and wish I could help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children sympathize with him.

The New York Times - Arts

I can sympathize with him".

The New York Times - Sports

And, Rumsfeld said, "I personally sympathize with him".

The New Yorker

"I sympathize with him immensely today," Mrs. Jakubiak said.

The New York Times

"Old, wet valentine's cards!" You have to sympathize with him.

The New Yorker

Parenthetically, it's impossible for me not to sympathize with him.

The New Yorker

ALISON BEARD: So, we really sympathize with him.

Harvard Business Review

On the contrary, I sympathize with him and especially with his assistant.

The New York Times

But I understand much about him, I sympathize with him a little bit".

The New York Times

Ultimately, I think we came to sympathize with him, even with all his weaknesses.

The Washington Post

Some readers may sympathize with him while others may find his arguments unconvincing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sympathize with him" when you want to express understanding and compassion for someone's situation. It's appropriate when acknowledging their feelings and showing support, even if you don't necessarily agree with their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "sympathize with him" when you actually mean you agree with his actions or opinions. Sympathy involves understanding and compassion, not necessarily concurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sympathize with him" functions as a verb phrase expressing an emotional response of understanding and compassion towards another person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and correct expression. Examples show its usage in diverse scenarios, ranging from personal struggles to fictional characters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sympathize with him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey understanding and compassion for someone's situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's important to differentiate sympathy from agreement and use the phrase appropriately to express genuine support without necessarily condoning actions. While versatile, it's most common in news, media, and general conversations. When expressing a deeper connection, consider using "empathize with him" for stronger resonance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel for him

Uses "feel" instead of "sympathize", implying a more emotional connection.

understand his feelings

Focuses on understanding the person's emotions rather than feeling sympathy.

have compassion for him

Emphasizes a deep sense of caring and concern.

show empathy towards him

Highlights the ability to share and understand his feelings.

relate to his situation

Suggests a personal connection or understanding based on shared experiences.

be understanding of him

Implies a willingness to accept and not judge his actions or feelings.

put yourself in his shoes

Asks one to imagine experiencing his struggles, emphasizing compassion.

appreciate his perspective

Centers on valuing his point of view, even if not agreeing with it.

recognize his difficulties

Focuses on acknowledging the challenges he faces.

share his sorrow

Emphasizes feeling sadness alongside him.

FAQs

How can I use "sympathize with him" in a sentence?

You can use "sympathize with him" to express understanding and compassion for someone's situation. For example, "After hearing about his challenges, I "sympathize with him" and want to help."

What's the difference between "sympathize with him" and "empathize with him"?

"Empathize with him" suggests a deeper level of understanding where you share their feelings, while "sympathize with him" implies understanding and compassion without necessarily sharing the same feelings.

What can I say instead of "sympathize with him"?

You can use alternatives like "feel for him", "understand his feelings", or "have compassion for him" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to "sympathize with him"?

While showing compassion is generally positive, it's essential to consider the context. If someone's actions are harmful or unethical, expressing "sympathize with him" might be misconstrued as condoning their behavior.