with sympathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with sympathy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing compassion or understanding towards someone's situation or feelings, often in contexts of loss or hardship. Example: "I am writing to you with sympathy during this difficult time for your family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With sympathy, Steve Madden, LTD.

The New York Times

Her eyes bulged with sympathy.

The New Yorker

Some politicians also reacted with sympathy.

The New York Times

Dumas's paintings are alive with sympathy.

The Guardian - Arts

British troops are portrayed with sympathy.

The New York Times - Arts

Her eyes shine with sympathy and understanding.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She wrote with sympathy, insight, and humour about domestic life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They looked with anger upward rather than with sympathy downward.

The New Yorker

I write with sympathy," the 44-year-old wrote.

The Guardian - Sport

My father responded with sympathy, as well he should.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many white readers responded to those examples with sympathy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering "with sympathy", be genuine and specific in your expression of care. A simple, heartfelt message is often more meaningful than elaborate phrases.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on overused phrases when expressing "with sympathy". Instead, personalize your message to reflect your genuine feelings and understanding of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with sympathy" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the manner in which an action is performed or a feeling is conveyed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly communicates feelings of compassion or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with sympathy" is a common and grammatically sound way to express compassion, understanding, or support for someone facing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and appropriateness across various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, it serves to offer comfort and acknowledge another's suffering. While alternatives like "with compassion" or "with empathy" may offer nuanced shades of meaning, "with sympathy" remains a versatile and sincere expression of care. Remember to personalize your message for greater impact, avoiding overused clichés.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with compassion

Replaces "sympathy" with a term emphasizing a deep awareness of another's suffering and a desire to alleviate it.

with empathy

Focuses on understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, going beyond simple pity.

with understanding

Highlights the act of comprehending someone's situation, providing a supportive perspective.

with condolences

A formal expression of grief and sorrow, typically offered to someone who has experienced a loss.

offering my condolences

Expresses a direct offer of sympathy and sorrow for someone's loss or misfortune.

with heartfelt sorrow

Emphasizes the genuine and profound sadness felt for someone's suffering.

in deepest sympathy

Conveys a profound level of care and concern for someone in distress.

with deepest regret

Expresses sorrow and remorse, often used when acknowledging a loss or misfortune.

with caring thoughts

Highlights the act of thinking about someone in a supportive and considerate manner.

with a heavy heart

Indicates deep sadness and sorrow, often used when expressing condolences.

FAQs

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

You can use "with sympathy" to express your compassion or understanding towards someone's situation. For example: "I am writing to you with sympathy regarding your recent loss."

What are some alternatives to saying "with sympathy"?

You can use alternatives like "with compassion", "with empathy", or "with condolences" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to say "with sympathy" in a formal setting?

Yes, "with sympathy" is appropriate in formal settings, especially when conveying condolences or expressing understanding in professional correspondence.

What is the difference between "with empathy" and "with sympathy"?

"With empathy" implies a deeper understanding and sharing of another person's feelings, while "with sympathy" generally expresses a feeling of pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune. Empathy involves understanding, while sympathy involves feeling.