find sanctuary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find sanctuary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to seeking a place of safety, refuge, or peace. Example: "After a long day, I like to find sanctuary in my favorite park, where I can relax and unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I look to those to find sanctuary".

The New York Times

They arrive in Argos hoping to find sanctuary.

The Guardian

The Taliban continues to find sanctuary in Pakistan.

The Washington Post

After a long journey to find sanctuary, he is now lost and confused.

University of California, Berkeley

At one point, there was thought maybe even Al Qaida would find sanctuary in Iraq.

The Washington Post

He was sickened to come across charred piles of bodies in a church where Tutsi had expected to find sanctuary.

The New Yorker

As she is being taken to the gallows, Quasimodo rescues her, and the two find sanctuary in the cathedral.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Terrorist organizations have fled to some of the least governed and most lawless places in the world to find sanctuary.

Cornell University

Millions of Jews perished... because there was no spot on the globe where they could find sanctuary..

The Guardian

Otherwise the restaurant will not be a place where New Yorkers can find sanctuary from their mortal enemy: "le stress".

The New York Times - Food

And when they arrive at a place where they expect to find sanctuary, they can find themselves vulnerable and isolated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals or groups fleeing dangerous situations, use "find sanctuary" to convey the importance of safety and protection in their new environment.

Common error

Avoid using "find sanctuary" lightly. This phrase suggests a significant need for protection, not just a desire for relaxation or convenience. Be mindful of the gravity of the situation you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find sanctuary" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of discovering or attaining a place of safety and refuge. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing both physical locations and metaphorical states of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "find sanctuary" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the action of discovering or attaining a place of safety and refuge. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to be used in varied contexts, from formal discussions about refugees in news media to personal reflections on inner peace in blogs. The phrase implies a sense of security and protection, often from danger or persecution. While there are several alternatives like "seek refuge" or "gain asylum", "find sanctuary" effectively conveys the importance of reaching a safe and peaceful environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find refuge

Nearly synonymous, but emphasizes the successful discovery of a safe haven.

seek refuge

Focuses on the act of actively looking for a safe place, implying a sense of urgency or desperation.

take refuge

Highlights the action of entering a place of safety and protection, emphasizing the immediate need for security.

attain sanctuary

Highlights the achievement of reaching a state of safety and peace, implying effort and perseverance.

discover a haven

Suggests stumbling upon a place of safety and peace, often unexpectedly.

locate a safe haven

Emphasizes the deliberate search and identification of a secure location.

secure asylum

Implies a formal or legal process of obtaining protection, often from political persecution.

find a safe harbor

Uses a maritime metaphor to describe finding a secure and protected place, often after a period of difficulty.

gain asylum

Emphasizes the successful outcome of seeking formal protection, with legal and political connotations.

establish a refuge

Shifts the focus to the act of creating a safe space for others.

FAQs

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

You can use "find sanctuary" to describe someone seeking a safe or peaceful place. For example, "After the war, many refugees tried to "find sanctuary" in neighboring countries".

What are some alternatives to "find sanctuary"?

Alternatives include "seek refuge", "find refuge", or "gain asylum", each with slightly different connotations.

What does it mean to "find sanctuary"?

To "find sanctuary" means to discover or reach a place where one is safe and protected, often from danger or persecution. It implies a sense of security and peace in a new environment.

Is "find sanctuary" interchangeable with "find shelter"?

While related, "find sanctuary" /s/find+sanctuary implies more than just physical shelter. It suggests finding a place of refuge that provides safety, peace, and potentially, long-term protection, while "find shelter" can be temporary.