with pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of compassion or sorrow towards someone else's situation or feelings. Example: "She looked at him with pity as he recounted his struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That comes with pity.

The Guardian - Books

This is the town with pity.

The New York Times

Heywood looked at her with pity.

The Guardian

He looked at me with pity.

The New York Times

"Maybe you're confusing love with pity," the writer told him.

The New Yorker

We made eye contact; his were filled with pity.

The New York Times

Teachers address him in voices dripping with pity.

The New York Times - Books

People have stopped looking at me with pity.

The New York Times - Magazine

I hate it when people look at me with pity.

The New York Times - Sports

My husband became obsessed with pity for her younger sister.

The New York Times

Today, they know, they are looked on with pity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with pity" to convey a sense of compassion or sorrow when describing someone's reaction to another's misfortune or suffering. It clearly indicates empathy, but be mindful of the context to avoid sounding condescending.

Common error

Be careful not to overuse "with pity" in contexts where it might imply superiority or condescension. Choose more neutral or positive terms like "with sympathy" or "with compassion" if you want to emphasize understanding and support rather than perceived weakness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with pity" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a feeling is experienced. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with pity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to express empathy or sorrow. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct. While it's suitable for various contexts, including news and media, care should be taken to avoid connotations of condescension by considering alternatives like "with compassion" or "with sympathy" in sensitive situations. Usage is predominantly found in news and media, with rare occurrences in other fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with compassion

Synonymous, replacing "pity" with a more positive term.

with sympathy

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

taking pity on

Implies an active decision to show compassion or mercy.

having compassion for

Focuses on possessing the feeling of compassion.

showing compassion

Focuses on the act of demonstrating compassion, rather than the feeling itself.

full of compassion

Highlights the extent to which compassion is felt.

in a compassionate manner

Expresses the action of showing compassion through behavior or attitude.

feeling sorry for

A more direct and less formal way of expressing pity.

moved by sorrow

Emphasizes the emotional impact leading to a compassionate response.

with a merciful heart

Highlights the merciful aspect of pity, suggesting a readiness to forgive or alleviate suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "with pity" in a sentence?

You can use "with pity" to describe someone's emotional reaction, such as "She looked at him "with pity" after hearing about his accident".

What are some alternatives to "with pity"?

Alternatives include "with compassion", "with sympathy", or "feeling sorry for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "with pity" or "with compassion"?

The choice between "with pity" and "with compassion" depends on the context. "With pity" can sometimes imply a sense of condescension, while "with compassion" generally conveys a deeper understanding and empathy.

When should I avoid using the phrase "with pity"?

Avoid using "with pity" in situations where it could be interpreted as patronizing or demeaning. Consider using alternative phrases like "with empathy" or "with understanding" in such cases.