a sanctuary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sanctuary" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase can be used to refer to a place of refuge, peace, or safety. For example: After a long day at work, my room is my sanctuary, where I can relax and unwind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This is a sanctuary.

The New York Times

"Like a sanctuary".

The New York Times

A sanctuary.

The Guardian

"It's a sanctuary," he said.

The New York Times

"It was a sanctuary".

The New York Times

We're a sanctuary city.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had a sanctuary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She had a sanctuary at Sparta.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We're a sanctuary surrounded by cement".

The New York Times - Travel

"Back then this place was a sanctuary.

The New York Times - Sports

He calls it a sanctuary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sanctuary" to evoke a sense of peace, safety, and refuge. Ensure the context clearly establishes what is being protected from and what provides the sanctuary.

Common error

Avoid using "a sanctuary" as a cliché. Instead, consider more specific language to describe the nature of the refuge or protection being offered. For example, rather than saying "the library was a sanctuary", specify what made it a sanctuary, such as "the library was a quiet escape from the bustling city".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sanctuary" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a place or state offering refuge, safety, or peace. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts, from describing physical locations to metaphorical states of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sanctuary" is a common noun phrase that denotes a place or state of refuge, peace, or safety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki contexts, suggesting a broad applicability. While generally neutral to formal, the specific context can influence its register. When using the term, be mindful of potential overuse and strive for specificity in describing the nature of the refuge being offered. Alternatives like "a haven" or "a refuge" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a haven

Emphasizes safety and protection from danger or distress.

a refuge

Highlights a place offering shelter or protection from pursuit, danger, or trouble.

a safe haven

Combines the sense of safety and refuge, emphasizing security.

a retreat

Suggests a place for relaxation and escape from the pressures of daily life.

a shelter

Focuses on providing basic protection from the elements or immediate threats.

a place of safety

Directly indicates a location where one is protected from harm.

a protected space

Highlights the idea of being shielded or defended from external forces.

a harbor

Implies a sense of calm and security, often associated with maritime protection.

an asylum

Suggests a place of refuge, often for those seeking political or religious protection.

a sanctuary zone

Specific type of protection with established boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "a sanctuary" in a sentence?

You can use "a sanctuary" to describe a place that offers refuge, peace, or safety. For example, "After a long day, my bedroom becomes "a sanctuary" where I can relax and recharge."

What are some alternatives to "a sanctuary"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a haven", "a refuge", or "a retreat" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a sanctuary" versus "a shelter"?

"A shelter" typically refers to basic protection from the elements or immediate danger, while "a sanctuary" implies a deeper sense of peace, safety, and spiritual refuge. Use "a shelter" when describing physical protection and "a sanctuary" when describing a place of emotional or spiritual solace.

Is it correct to refer to a city as "a sanctuary city"?

Yes, the term "a sanctuary city" is used to describe a city that has policies in place to protect undocumented immigrants. However, it's important to be aware that this term can be politically charged.