as a refuge for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a refuge for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place or situation that provides safety, shelter, or comfort for someone or something. Example: "The old library served as a refuge for those seeking solace in books during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For decades, Cuba has served as a refuge for fugitives.

The New York Times

The Media Lab was devised as a refuge for tinkerers.

The New Yorker

Instead, human rights function as a refuge for utopia.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, exotic forests may serve as a refuge for some native species.

Acta Oecologica

Mr Hausfeld thinks Sweden was a distant second to Switzerland as a refuge for capital.

The Economist

Why did you choose cults as a refuge for these characters?

The New Yorker

Since the 7th century Lebanon has served as a refuge for persecuted Christian and Muslim sects.

Britannica

Hall, D. M. et al. The city as a refuge for insect pollinators.

Nature

The recording studio at Anacostia High has served as a refuge for students facing trauma.

The Washington Post

The waving reeds are a crop as well as a refuge for rare species.

The New York Times - Travel

This has done little to change its reputation as a refuge for criminals, extremists and delinquents.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a refuge for", ensure the noun following 'for' clearly identifies the entities receiving protection or sanctuary. For example, 'The forest serves as a refuge for endangered species'.

Common error

Avoid overusing "as a refuge for" in contexts where 'support' or 'assistance' would be more accurate. A refuge implies a need for protection from danger or hardship, not simply a place of help.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a refuge for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or verb, indicating the purpose or role of something as a place of safety or shelter. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a refuge for" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something providing safety or shelter. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently across various sources, notably in news media and scientific publications. Alternatives such as "as a haven for" or "as a sanctuary for" can be used to add nuance. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the context of protection or escape being described. The phrase is best employed in contexts where genuine safety or protection is needed, avoiding overuse in situations where simple assistance is provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a haven for

Replaces "refuge" with "haven", suggesting a more peaceful and secure environment.

as a sanctuary for

Substitutes "refuge" with "sanctuary", implying a sacred or protected place.

as a shelter for

Replaces "refuge" with "shelter", focusing on protection from the elements or danger.

as a safe haven for

Adds the adjective "safe" to "haven", emphasizing security and protection.

as a retreat for

Uses "retreat" instead of "refuge", suggesting a place of escape and relaxation.

as a harbor for

Employs "harbor" instead of "refuge", evoking a sense of safety and welcoming.

as a preserve for

Replaces "refuge" with "preserve", implying the protection of something valuable or endangered.

as a hideout for

Substitutes "refuge" with "hideout", suggesting a secret or concealed location.

as an asylum for

Replaces "refuge" with "asylum", implying a place of protection for those persecuted or seeking refuge.

as a resort for

Uses "resort" instead of "refuge", focusing on a place of leisure and recreation as an escape.

FAQs

How can I use "as a refuge for" in a sentence?

Use "as a refuge for" to describe a place or thing that provides safety or shelter. For example, "The library served as a refuge for students during the storm".

What's the difference between "as a refuge for" and "as a safe haven for"?

While both phrases imply safety, "as a refuge for" is more general. "As a safe haven for" emphasizes a secure and protected environment.

What are some alternatives to "as a refuge for"?

You can use alternatives such as "as a shelter for", "as a sanctuary for", or "as a haven for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as a refuge to" instead of "as a refuge for"?

While less common, "as a refuge to" can be used, but "as a refuge for" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing.