"show mercy to" vs "show sympathy for"

Question

"show mercy to" vs "show sympathy for"

Both 'show sympathy for' and 'show mercy to' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Show sympathy for' is used when expressing understanding or compassion towards someone's suffering or misfortune. On the other hand, 'show mercy to' is used when granting forgiveness or leniency to someone in a position of power or authority.

Last Updated: April 04, 2024

This phrase is used when granting forgiveness or leniency to someone in a position of power or authority.

Examples:

The judge showed mercy to the defendant and reduced the sentence.
The king showed mercy to the prisoners and pardoned them.

Alternatives:

grant mercy to
extend mercy to
offer mercy to
show leniency to

This phrase is used when expressing understanding or compassion towards someone's suffering or misfortune.

Examples:

She showed sympathy for her friend who had lost a loved one.
The community showed sympathy for the victims of the natural disaster.

Alternatives:

express sympathy for
feel sympathy for
have sympathy for
show compassion for

Answer 1

show mercy to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

show sympathy for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.