a small solace

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Diane Foley, the mother of James Foley, told ABC News that should Emwazi have been killed in the strike, it would be "really a small solace to us".

The Guardian

On Friday she told ABC News that if it was true that Emwazi had been killed in the strike, it would be "really a small solace to us".

The Guardian

I think it's a small solace, but at least it forced people to go back and look again at what those connections were and follow those stories.

TechCrunch

As much as I wanted him dead I also wanted answers as to why he did it, why my dad, how did it make a difference?" Meanwhile Diane Foley, James Foley — the first journalist killed by Emwazi — told ABC News that his murderer's potential death would be "really a small solace to us".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Echoing the Sotloffs, the parents of James Foley, an American journalist killed by Isis, released a statement on Friday saying it was "a very small solace" to learn of the Isis killer's death.

The Guardian

Echoing the Sotloffs, the parents of James Foley, an American journalist killed by Isis, released a statement on Friday saying it was "a very small solace" to learn of the Isis executioner's death.

The Guardian

Pretending the U.S. does not torture because its name is not on a PowerPoint slide is small solace to a Canadian detainee staring into the eyes of a CIA operative standing next to a bucket of water in some undisclosed black site.

Huffington Post

While the cancer was incurable, we hoped we could slow its progression and give him a few extra months of life — small solace for a man in his mid-50s with a loving wife and several children ready to start new families, but the best we could offer.

The New York Times - Health

Instead, he said his client, now 31, had claimed only to have "ejaculated upon" the girl, a distinction that he called "probably very small solace" to the Petit family.

The New York Times

"This is not a time of celebration, but it is of some small solace to his family and his brother officers to have this person in custody," Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson said.

The New York Times

It is small solace to Bear's bankers that they will serve as a salutary example to others.Their fate is also likely to harden resistance on Wall Street to receiving bonuses in shares rather than hard cash.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small solace" when you want to acknowledge a difficult situation but also highlight a minor positive aspect or source of comfort. It is often used in contexts of loss or disappointment to express a tempered sense of relief or consolation.

Common error

Avoid using "a small solace" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of relief or happiness. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where the comfort is genuinely limited and should not be used sarcastically or to minimize someone's suffering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small solace" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object within a sentence. It denotes something that provides a limited amount of comfort or consolation. This is verified by Ludwig and supported by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small solace" is a noun phrase used to express a limited amount of comfort or consolation in challenging situations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for neutral to formal contexts. Although primarily found in News & Media, its infrequent usage highlights the nuanced nature of the expression. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context warrants a tempered sense of relief, as overstating the degree of comfort can be misleading or insensitive. Remember that several similar phrases exist, such as "a minor comfort" or "a slight consolation" which can be used depending on the context you want to portray.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minor comfort

Replaces "solace" with "comfort", indicating a slightly less profound sense of relief.

A slight consolation

Substitutes "solace" with "consolation", suggesting a minimal easing of grief or disappointment.

A little comfort

Uses "little" instead of "small", conveying a similar sense of limited relief.

A modicum of solace

Replaces "small" with "modicum", implying a very small or moderate amount of comfort.

A grain of comfort

Uses "grain" to emphasize the insignificance of the comfort received.

Marginal relief

Replaces the entire phrase with a concise expression of slight easing of burden.

Limited consolation

Focuses on the restricted nature of the comfort provided.

A faint glimmer of hope

Shifts the focus to the hopeful aspect of the situation, suggesting a minimal positive outlook.

A whisper of comfort

Emphasizes the subtle and understated nature of the solace.

An inadequate comfort

Highlights the insufficiency of the comfort in fully alleviating distress.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small solace" to express a minimal amount of comfort or consolation in a difficult situation. For example, "The compensation offered was "a small solace" after the extensive damage caused by the storm."

What are some alternatives to "a small solace"?

Alternatives to "a small solace" include "a minor comfort", "a slight consolation", or "a little comfort". These phrases convey a similar meaning of limited relief.

Is it appropriate to use "a small solace" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small solace" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing situations involving loss or disappointment where a minor element of comfort exists. Its use acknowledges the situation's difficulty while pointing out a limited positive aspect.

What is the difference between "a small solace" and "a great comfort"?

"A small solace" indicates a minimal or limited degree of comfort, while "a great comfort" suggests a significant source of relief and support. The choice depends on the actual level of comfort experienced or observed.