sympathy for vs sympathy to

Both 'sympathy for' and 'sympathy to' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Sympathy for' is used when expressing understanding or compassion towards someone or something, while 'sympathy to' is not a standard phrase in English. Therefore, 'sympathy for' is the correct and commonly used phrase.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 968 views

This is the correct and commonly used phrase in English.

"sympathy for"

It is used to express understanding or compassion towards someone or something.

Examples:

I have sympathy for her situation.
He expressed sympathy for the victims of the tragedy.
She showed sympathy for the stray animals.
There was a lot of sympathy for the protesters' cause.
The teacher had sympathy for the student's struggles.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have a certain sympathy for your American.
I certainly don't mean to imply any sympathy for him.
Mary Sibley has no sympathy for your suffering.
Have some sympathy for your classmate.
I just wish you'd show a bit of sympathy for mine.
Yes, I do have a great deal of sympathy for sunil.
There is no sympathy for you here.
I have some sympathy for the foxes.
This is about sympathy for you.
-You'd think she'd have sympathy for us...
I certainly don't mean to imply any sympathy for him.
I'm starting to feel a lot of sympathy for the guy.
I have no special sympathy for Hitler or National Socialism.
I don't have any sympathy for Arthur.
Your sympathy for this beast is foolish.
I got it instantly and felt my sympathy for him grow.
I'm sure he feels sympathy for you.
Your suffering your sympathy for that girl.
I've been struggling with a curious sympathy for you and your husband.
You must have sympathy for two lonely hearts... who have found happiness together.

Alternatives:

compassion for
empathy for
pity for
concern for
support for

This is not a standard phrase in English and is not commonly used.

"sympathy to"

Show examples from the web [+]

The Commission joins with the Finnish presidency in expressing its sympathy to the Russian authorities.
The main point, however, is that I only talked about extending our condolences and sympathy to the relatives, in other words the humanitarian aspect.
At the beginning of that meeting I sent expressions of sympathy to the entire Japanese nation.
I wish to express my personal sympathy to all those that are suffering as a consequence of the disaster.
Mr President, first of all, let me express my sympathy to the people of Taiwan who suffered as result of Typhoon Morakot and its consequences.
On behalf of the European Parliament, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Turkish Grand National Assembly and to the people of Turkey for the tragic losses which this natural disaster caused.
I was horrified by these deliberate and cruel acts of murder and I immediately expressed my deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
Mr President, firstly I would like to express my sympathy to those who were affected.
We are worried about the growing street crime and wish to express, first of all, our sympathy to the families of individuals who have been victims of criminal activities.
Mr President, I extend our deepest sympathy to all of those who were affected by the storms.
I shall write on behalf of all of us, if you agree, to express our deepest sympathy to those who have suffered in this disaster.
Madam President, I would like first to express my deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and to all those who are affected by the industrial accident that occurred on 4 October in Ajka, Hungary.
Allow me to express my sympathy to those who have been affected and my appreciation to all those who have helped provide the intervention after these disasters.
I wish to express my profound sadness and offer my deepest sympathy to the families of the victims of the natural disaster which has struck Madeira.
Mr President, I first wish to join with others in offering my sympathy to the people of South-East Asia who have been so badly affected by this awful tragedy.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Ken Oosterbroek.
The Bureau extends its sympathy to you and your family.
I have no intention of showing any sympathy to a woman like that.
Mr President, I should like to express my sympathy to Commissioner Mandelson.

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sympathy for vs sympathy to

"sympathy for"

"sympathy to"

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