a source of consolation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of consolation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that provides comfort or relief during difficult times. Example: "After the loss of her pet, she found that reading poetry became a source of consolation for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

May our wonderful memories of her be a source of consolation to us all.

The New York Times

May the good memories of him be a source of consolation to his family and friends.

The New York Times

AS a result, said Selena Morris, a Merrill spokeswoman, the Web site became a source of consolation.

The New York Times

"It looks like she has been done over," said one UK friend, who thought that returning to ITV would at least be a source of consolation.

The Guardian

The prospect of Vaughan as cricket director may not lead to Moores and Alastair Cook summoning up a rum punch, unless it is as a source of consolation.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara to the second ball of the day was one of several false dawns for England and, perhaps, a source of some consolation to the many thousands who had strode up Marine Drive to the stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

England, despite trailing by 221 in Brisbane, comfortably saved the match and ended up winning the series after three victories by an innings – maybe a source of hollow consolation for their batsmen last night.

The Guardian - Sport

Evidence for this is provided by clips showing some of his memorable goals, and also by the adulation expressed by Eric and his pals at the post office, for whom football is both a great cause and a steady source of consolation.

The New York Times

We were in search of far more than a pat on the back; we longed for a transcendent source of consolation.

Huffington Post

However, classical music has been a great source of consolation to him over the years.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a source of consolation" when you want to express that something provides emotional comfort or relief during a time of distress or sorrow. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is providing the consolation.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of consolation" when the subject doesn't genuinely offer comfort or relief. Ensure that the described entity genuinely provides emotional support and is not merely a distraction or temporary fix.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of consolation" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It identifies what provides comfort or relief. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a source of consolation" is a grammatically sound and readily usable expression, predominantly found in news and media contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, it effectively conveys the idea of something providing comfort or relief during times of distress. While synonyms like "a source of comfort" or "a means of solace" offer similar meanings, the key is to ensure the attributed source genuinely provides emotional support. It's important to avoid misattributing consolation to things that are merely distractions. The neutral to formal register makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios, particularly when discussing sensitive or emotional subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a source of comfort

Replaces "consolation" with "comfort", focusing on the feeling of ease and relief.

a means of solace

Substitutes "source" with "means" and "consolation" with "solace", emphasizing the provision of comfort in distress.

a comfort in times of sorrow

Focuses on the timing of the comfort, specifically during sorrowful periods.

a refuge in difficult times

Emphasizes the idea of finding shelter or escape during hardships.

a balm for the soul

Uses a metaphor to describe something that soothes and heals emotional wounds.

a palliative during hardship

Highlights the alleviation of suffering caused by hardship.

an aid in grief

Directly addresses the assistance provided during the grieving process.

a support during adversity

Focuses on the support system during challenging situations.

a relief from distress

Highlights the alleviation of suffering and worry.

a sanctuary in times of trouble

Stresses the sense of safety and protection offered during difficult times.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source of consolation" to describe something that provides comfort during difficult times. For example: "For many, religion is "a source of consolation" after a loss".

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

Alternatives include "a source of comfort", "a means of solace", or "a refuge in difficult times", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a source of consolation" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing sensitive topics or emotional experiences. It's a clear and respectful way to describe something that provides comfort.

What's the difference between "a source of consolation" and "a distraction"?

"A source of consolation" implies genuine comfort and emotional support, while "a distraction" merely diverts attention from the problem without addressing the underlying emotions. Consolation aims to heal, while distraction only aims to displace focus.