Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
with empathy
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "with empathy" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use the phrase in a sentence like this: "He listened to her story with empathy, understanding her feelings and the difficulties she was facing."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
She said it with empathy.
News & Media
I say it with empathy.
News & Media
That is, Gabriel battles evil with empathy.
News & Media
"I'm better with empathy," she says.
News & Media
The heart does not swell with empathy.
News & Media
He is replacing brutality with empathy.
News & Media
With empathy you do the work".
News & Media
"Atlas combines scholarship with empathy," wrote Williams.
News & Media
The anterior cingulate gyrus has been associated with empathy.
News & Media
Mr. Maron, though, approached the interview with empathy.
News & Media
Like their narcissist leader, they have no truck with empathy.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about sensitive topics, lead "with empathy" to build trust and rapport with your audience.
Common error
Avoid using "with empathy" when you mean "with sympathy". Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, while sympathy is feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. Empathy requires a deeper understanding of another's perspective.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "with empathy" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action is performed or a quality is expressed. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that something is done or perceived through the lens of understanding and sharing another's feelings. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Science
25%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "with empathy" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves as an adverbial modifier, highlighting the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability in written English. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and professional settings. When using the phrase, be mindful of the subtle differences between empathy and sympathy, and consider alternatives like "showing compassion" or "acting with understanding" to precisely convey your intended meaning. Leading "with empathy" builds trust, but objectivity remains important depending on the situation. Therefore, embracing it responsibly will enhance your writing and communication skills.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
showing compassion
Replaces "empathy" with "compassion", focusing on the act of showing sympathetic concern for others.
acting with understanding
Substitutes "empathy" with "understanding", highlighting the cognitive aspect of comprehending another's situation.
responding with sensitivity
Emphasizes the responsiveness aspect, focusing on being attuned to the feelings and needs of others.
in a compassionate manner
Uses a more formal tone while retaining the core meaning of showing concern and understanding.
with heartfelt sympathy
Highlights the genuine and emotional nature of the sympathetic response.
demonstrating concern
Focuses on the outward display of care and worry for another person's well-being.
displaying fellow feeling
Uses a slightly more literary term for sharing another's emotions or circumstances.
having a sympathetic ear
Implies attentive and understanding listening to someone's troubles or concerns.
offering a supportive approach
Shifts the focus to providing assistance and encouragement based on understanding their needs.
with deep understanding
Emphasizes the depth of comprehension of someone's situation or feelings.
FAQs
How can I use "with empathy" in a sentence?
You can use "with empathy" to describe actions or approaches that demonstrate an understanding and sharing of another person's feelings. For instance, "She listened to the patient's concerns "with empathy", making them feel understood and valued."
What's the difference between "with empathy" and "with sympathy"?
"With empathy" implies understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, while "with sympathy" suggests feeling pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune. Empathy involves a deeper level of understanding and connection.
What are some alternatives to using "with empathy"?
Alternatives to ""with empathy"" include phrases like "showing compassion", "acting with understanding", or "responding with sensitivity", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is it always appropriate to approach situations "with empathy"?
While generally positive, approaching every situation ""with empathy"" might not always be the most effective strategy. In some cases, objectivity or a more detached perspective may be necessary. However, in personal interactions and care-related professions, empathy is often highly valued.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested