a little solace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little solace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of comfort or consolation in a difficult situation. Example: "After the loss, she found a little solace in the memories they shared together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They hope to find a little solace, a friendly face.

The New York Times

For those families who heard the answer "yes", there is at least a little solace.

The Guardian

It was just a heart-wrenching experience, but at the same time I think they received a little solace.

The New York Times

At least, Snow Ridge could take a little solace that larger resorts have also had trouble making, and keeping, snow.

The New York Times

TAXPAYERS struggling with their 2011 returns can take a little solace in the knowledge that change is coming — though it may be accompanied by increasing tax bills.

The New York Times

We gain a little solace from the fact that the high point in Jo's life was her graduation in November when her life was perfect.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But the possibility of Islamic State being driven away from an area brings little solace to its Sunni inhabitants.

Los Angeles Times

That will have been little solace to a soldier named Mohammad Jan.

The New York Times

Although there may not be a "systemic problem," that is little solace to individuals facing the prospect of criminal prosecution without the tools to adequately defend themselves.

The New York Times

But Deutsche Bank's chief executive, Josef Ackermann, who has been outspoken about the magnitude of the crisis, offered little solace in a statement issued with the earnings.

The New York Times

Today they are back at Villa Park, facing Swansea City, but that is of little solace to a team with the worst home goalscoring record in the country – six in 18 games.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little solace" to express finding a small amount of comfort or consolation in challenging situations, adding a touch of empathy and understanding to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a little solace" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of comfort or relief. If the comfort is significant, consider using phrases like "considerable solace" or "great comfort" to better reflect the true sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little solace" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as the object of a verb (e.g., find, offer, provide). It denotes a small degree of comfort or consolation in the face of distress or hardship. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little solace" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a small amount of comfort or consolation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media, offering a neutral tone suitable for various situations. While alternatives like "a little comfort" and "a little relief" exist, "a little solace" provides a specific nuance that acknowledges hardship while offering a glimmer of hope. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the understatement of comfort and that stronger expressions aren't more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little comfort

Focuses directly on the feeling of comfort as a source of relief.

a little relief

Highlights the reduction of stress or pain.

a little consolation

Emphasizes the act of consoling or being consoled.

a small comfort

Similar to "a little comfort" but suggests a potentially understated or limited degree of comfort.

a hint of solace

Indicates a subtle or faint sense of comfort.

a touch of comfort

Suggests a gentle and delicate feeling of ease.

some comfort

A more general way of saying 'a little comfort'.

a degree of comfort

Implies a measurable or quantifiable amount of comfort.

a measure of comfort

Similar to "a degree of comfort" emphasizing the extent of relief.

a modicum of solace

Uses a more formal word, "modicum", to mean a small amount of solace.

FAQs

How can I use "a little solace" in a sentence?

You can use "a little solace" to express finding a small amount of comfort in a difficult situation. For example, "After the difficult news, she found "a little solace" in spending time with her family."

What can I say instead of "a little solace"?

You can use alternatives like "a little comfort", "a little relief", or "a small comfort" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a little solace"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a small degree of comfort or consolation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and usable.

What is the difference between "a little solace" and "little solace"?

"A little solace" suggests some comfort was found, however small. "Little solace" can imply that not much, if any, comfort could be found.