a means of consolation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a means of consolation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that provides comfort or solace in times of distress or sadness. Example: "After the loss of her pet, she found that reading poetry was a means of consolation for her grieving heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

People are often told that they are ahead of their time as a means of ego consolation following the world's neglect of their work.

The New Yorker

Others said it was a means of connecting, a source of consolation.

The New York Times

With both Nabokov and Ms. Vogel, language becomes a sort of consolation, a means of giving shape to the chaos of pain and loss.

The New York Times

While listening to the medical personnel was a consolation and a means of coming to terms with her destiny for Sara, it increased the vulnerability for Reidun.

BioSocieties

"Of course there was a bit of consolation.

Cornell University

Mr. Fowler found a ray of consolation.

The New York Times

A word of consolation, though, from soul diva Beverly Knight.

Independent

At last a straw of consolation for England.

The Guardian - Sport

Not a lot of consolation after being ridiculed in a national newspaper.

Independent

You could therefore call this altarpiece a species of consolation to the faithful.

Independent

Had their disappointment made them dwell on the past, as a kind of consolation?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a means of consolation" when you want to emphasize that something provides a way to deal with grief, disappointment, or loss. The phrase suggests a deliberate or purposeful action to find comfort.

Common error

Avoid using "a means of consolation" for trivial comforts. This phrase implies a deeper emotional need being met, not just a simple pleasure or distraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a means of consolation" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that provides comfort or solace. As seen in Ludwig, it describes how language can give shape to chaos and pain, or how listening to medical personnel could give comfort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a means of consolation" is a noun phrase used to describe something that provides comfort or solace during difficult times. As per Ludwig AI, this grammatically correct phrase is found primarily in news, media, scientific and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While not exceptionally common, understanding its usage can enhance the precision and emotional depth of your writing. Consider alternatives like "a source of comfort" or "a way to find solace" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a source of comfort

Replaces "means" with "source", emphasizing the origin of comfort.

a way to find solace

Substitutes "consolation" with "solace", changing the specific term for comfort.

a path to consolation

Uses "path" instead of "means", suggesting a journey towards comfort.

a form of comfort

Replaces "means" with "form", generalizing the type of comfort provided.

a method for soothing

Focuses on the action of calming or alleviating distress.

an avenue for relief

Highlights the provision of alleviation from suffering.

a channel of consolation

Emphasizes the idea of a conduit through which comfort flows.

a mode of assuagement

Uses a more formal term, "assuagement", for lessening pain or distress.

a recourse for comfort

Highlights the act of turning to something for comfort.

an instrument of solace

Presents the idea of something actively bringing about comfort.

FAQs

How can I use "a means of consolation" in a sentence?

You can use "a means of consolation" to describe something that provides comfort in a difficult situation. For example, "After the loss of her job, volunteering became "a means of consolation"."

What are some alternatives to "a means of consolation"?

Some alternatives include "a source of comfort", "a way to find solace", or "a form of comfort", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a means of consolation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a means of consolation" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the context warrants the depth of emotion the phrase implies.

What is the difference between "a means of consolation" and "a source of comfort"?

"A means of consolation" suggests a deliberate action or method used to find comfort, whereas "a source of comfort" simply indicates where the comfort originates. The former implies more intentionality.