as a consolation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a consolation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is offered to provide comfort or relief in a disappointing situation. Example: "Although she didn't win the competition, her friends gave her a gift as a consolation for her hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Think of it as a consolation prize.

The Guardian - Film

Still, there's such a thing as a consolation prize.

The New Yorker

As a consolation prize, Ellison was named his deputy.

The Guardian - Opinion

They regard their candidate's cameo as a consolation prize.

The New York Times

Maybe 10percentt of the cool $1.4 million as a consolation prize?

The Washington Post

Almost as a consolation, I returned again to the home of the old historian, Nair.

The New Yorker

As a consolation prize he became the chairman of Gazprom, the company he had created.

The Economist

The American dream, he implied, is what we got as a consolation prize.

The New York Times

The team signed Amar'e Stoudemire — a star, but not a superstar — as a consolation prize.

The New Yorker

As a consolation prize, CNN's Brian Stetler wrote, the White House offered Conway.

The Washington Post

As a consolation, this time it only dropped Norway from first to second, rather than fourth.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a consolation" when you want to offer something to mitigate disappointment after a failure or loss. For example, "They didn't win the championship, but they received a medal as a consolation."

Common error

Don't use "as a consolation" when offering a reward or gift unrelated to a previous failure. It's not appropriate to say, "I brought you flowers as a consolation" if there's no preceding disappointment or loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a consolation" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the reason or purpose behind an action. It serves to explain that something is being offered or given to provide comfort or relief, typically after a disappointment or loss. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a consolation" is a commonly used and grammatically sound prepositional phrase that provides comfort or a substitute after a disappointment. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's primarily used in news, academic, and sports contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it correctly by ensuring it relates to a previous failure or loss. By considering its alternatives and avoiding misapplication, you can effectively use "as a consolation" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a substitute prize

Specifies the substitute is a prize, similar to a consolation.

as a comfort

Directly emphasizes the act of providing comfort.

as a sop

Suggests a small concession to appease someone.

as a relief

Highlights the alleviation of distress.

as a substitute

Focuses more on replacement rather than comfort.

as a pacifier

Emphasizes the calming or appeasing effect.

in lieu of

Implies a direct exchange or substitution.

to compensate for

Highlights the action to counterbalance a loss or disadvantage.

to make up for

Focuses on redressing or balancing out a deficiency.

as a token of regret

Emphasizes the expression of sorrow or remorse.

FAQs

How can I use "as a consolation" in a sentence?

You can use "as a consolation" to introduce something offered to provide comfort or relief after disappointment. For example, "Although the project failed, the team received praise for their effort as a consolation."

What are some alternatives to "as a consolation"?

Alternatives include "as a substitute", "as a comfort", or "in lieu of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "as a consolation prize"?

Yes, "as a consolation prize" is a valid and commonly used phrase, particularly when referring to a less desirable reward given when the main prize is not obtained. It is a more specific version of "as a consolation".

What is the difference between "as a consolation" and "as a reward"?

"As a consolation" implies something given to ease disappointment, whereas "as a reward" signifies something earned through achievement or good behavior. Therefore, they should not be used interchangeably.