wave of sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of sympathy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collective feeling of compassion or support that arises in response to a particular event or situation. Example: "After the tragedy struck the community, there was a wave of sympathy expressed through donations and messages of support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Result: collapse of the Bayrou vote; and a wave of sympathy for Danny.

Independent

A wave of sympathy ensued with even enemies impressed by his spirited response.

The Economist

He took over as prime minister on a wave of sympathy.

The Guardian

If the February elections are free and fair, the Party may well enjoy a wave of sympathy.

The New Yorker

A public wave of sympathy after her assassination catapulted her Pakistan People's Party to power in the 2008 elections.

The New York Times

By the time Argentines return from their summer holidays in March, the wave of sympathy for her will have ebbed.

The Economist

As the tabloid headlines inspire a new wave of sympathy for you, Mr. Giuliani will be forced to counterattack.

The New York Times

His case sparked a wave of sympathy around the world when footage of his rescue by firefighters and medics emerged.

The Guardian

In addition, she has benefited from a wave of sympathy after the sudden death last October of Néstor Kirchner, her husband and predecessor as president.

The Economist

But after her husband, former President Néstor Kirchner, died in October, Mrs. Kirchner rode a wave of sympathy and has seen her popularity surge to a record high.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The assault on Mr. Siddiqui, who lived in Kearny, generated waves of sympathy among Pakistani-Americans and on the campus of the Newark-based New Jersey Institute, from which he graduated with a degree computer science.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "wave of sympathy" with concrete actions or expressions of support to illustrate the feeling. For example, describe donations, messages, or community initiatives that demonstrate the sympathy.

Common error

Using "wave of sympathy" for minor inconveniences or commonplace events dilutes the phrase's impact. Reserve it for situations involving genuine loss, tragedy, or significant hardship to maintain its emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of sympathy" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a widespread feeling of compassion or support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wave of sympathy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a widespread feeling of compassion or support. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to highlight the collective emotional response to significant events. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the specific context and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "surge of compassion" or "outpouring of support" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of formal and informal writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of compassion

Focuses on the emotional aspect of compassion, implying a sudden and strong feeling.

rush of empathy

Emphasizes the sudden and intense feeling of understanding another's emotions.

outpouring of support

Emphasizes the active expression of support, often through actions or donations.

flood of condolences

Specifically refers to expressions of grief and sorrow for a loss.

show of solidarity

Highlights unity and shared feelings among a group of people.

groundswell of support

Indicates a growing and widespread feeling of support from the general public.

flow of concern

Highlights the widespread worry or anxiety about a situation.

rise in public sentiment

Focuses on the general attitude or opinion of the public towards a particular issue.

swell of emotion

Refers to a strong and building feeling, not necessarily limited to sympathy.

influx of aid

Highlights practical help and resources provided to those in need.

FAQs

How can I use "wave of sympathy" in a sentence?

You can use "wave of sympathy" to describe a widespread feeling of compassion following a tragedy or significant event. For example, "The accident resulted in a "wave of sympathy" from the community".

What phrases are similar to "wave of sympathy"?

Similar phrases include "surge of compassion", "outpouring of support", and "flood of condolences", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "wave of sympathy" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "wave of sympathy" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports and analyses. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "wave of sympathy" and "show of solidarity"?

"Wave of sympathy" describes a feeling of compassion, while "show of solidarity" highlights unity and shared purpose. Sympathy focuses on emotional response, whereas solidarity emphasizes collective action or agreement.