we are sympathetic to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are sympathetic to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express understanding, support, or compassion for someone or something. Example: "As a company, we are sympathetic to our employees' needs and are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"We are sympathetic to the demands placed on a modern banking chief executive.

The Guardian - Business

We are sympathetic to the very difficult situation of the contractor in the article.

The New York Times

"But we are sympathetic to the reason people put them up.

The New York Times

They were relieved when they realized we are sympathetic to the land".

The New York Times

We are sympathetic to them, but we have to make sure the common shareholders are not disadvantaged".

The New York Times

"We are sympathetic to the problems confronting the content distribution industry," said the report, "Promoting Innovation and Economic Growth: The Special Problem of Digital Intellectual Property".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Then we got a boatload of mail from Democrats saying that we were sympathetic to Republicans".

The New York Times

"We're sympathetic to Mr. Horan and his family, but we just believe this case is without merit," he said.

The New York Times

So we're sympathetic to anyone who's trying to get at the truth and punish the guilty parties.

The New York Times

Aoyama can't help but evoke ambivalence; though we're sympathetic to his plight, he has done the wrong thing.

The New York Times

"We got a boatload of mail from Republicans saying that we were sympathetic to Democrats," Ms. Ellis said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are sympathetic to", clearly state the specific issue or person you are expressing sympathy for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "we are sympathetic to" without providing context or explanation. Always specify the reason for your sympathy to ensure the message is clear and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are sympathetic to" functions as an expression of empathy or understanding towards a particular situation, person, or group. As shown in Ludwig, this expression is often used in formal statements to acknowledge difficulties and express support.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are sympathetic to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey empathy and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. This phrase is most frequently used in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for professional communications. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the reason for your sympathy to ensure your message is well-received. Consider alternatives like "we empathize with" or "we understand" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we empathize with

Replaces "are sympathetic to" with a more direct verb expressing empathy.

we understand

Conveys comprehension and acknowledgement of someone's situation or feelings.

we feel for

An idiomatic expression indicating compassion or sorrow for someone's plight.

we have compassion for

Emphasizes the feeling of compassion towards someone or something.

we are understanding of

Focuses on the aspect of understanding and acceptance of a situation.

we share your concern for

Expresses a shared worry or concern about a particular issue.

we acknowledge the challenges of

Acknowledges the difficulties faced by someone or in a specific situation.

our hearts go out to

An idiomatic expression of deep sympathy and sorrow.

we offer our condolences to

A formal expression of sympathy, typically used in situations of loss.

we recognize the difficulty of

Highlights the recognition of hardship or complexity in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "we are sympathetic to" in a sentence?

You can use "we are sympathetic to" to express understanding and support for someone's situation. For example, "We are sympathetic to the challenges faced by small businesses during this economic downturn."

What can I say instead of "we are sympathetic to"?

You can use alternatives like "we empathize with", "we understand", or "we feel for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are sympathetic for"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "sympathetic" in this context is "to", not "for". The correct phrase is "we are sympathetic to".

What's the difference between "we are sympathetic to" and "we are empathetic to"?

While similar, "sympathetic" implies understanding and concern, while "empathetic" suggests a deeper ability to share and understand the feelings of another. Both can be used, but "sympathetic" is generally broader in application.