found sanctuary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found sanctuary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has found a place of safety or refuge. Example: "After the storm, the travelers found sanctuary in a nearby cave until the weather cleared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few residents had found sanctuary there.

The New York Times

Indeed, they have found sanctuary in Bangladesh.

The Economist

Two of the eagles found sanctuary at the Smithsonian Institution.

The Washington Post

No American diplomats travel to the provinces where Al Qaeda has found sanctuary.

The New York Times - Magazine

Across the border in Chad, she found sanctuary in the town of Tiné.

The Economist

They escaped the persecutions in the Ukraine and Russia and found sanctuary in Harbin, China.

The Washington Post

For a time she found sanctuary with some Catholic nuns but that road eventually ran out.

The Guardian

This is where, under pressure from modern life, the old gods have found sanctuary.

The New York Times

During the bombing of Helsinki in 1944, Jansson found sanctuary in her attic studio.

The Guardian - Books

For a time Susan found sanctuary with some Catholic nuns but that road eventually ran out.

The Guardian

Western intelligence officials say that al-Qaida officials have found sanctuary with al-Shabaab for years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "found sanctuary" to describe situations where something, not just someone, discovers a place of protection, such as historical artifacts finding sanctuary in a museum.

Common error

Avoid using "found sanctuary" when a temporary or inadequate shelter is meant. "Sanctuary" implies a safe, secure, and often legally or morally protected space. For temporary shelter, consider "found shelter" or "took refuge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found sanctuary" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of discovering and attaining a place of safety or refuge. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe individuals, groups, or even objects that have successfully secured a safe haven from danger or adversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found sanctuary" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of discovering and securing a safe haven. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, to depict situations where individuals, groups, or even objects have attained a place of refuge. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that "sanctuary" appropriately conveys the idea of a secure and protected space, distinguishing it from temporary or inadequate shelters. By understanding its nuances and using it appropriately, writers can effectively communicate the sense of relief and security that comes with finding a safe haven.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

found refuge

Synonymous with "found sanctuary", using a different noun.

sought refuge

Focuses on the act of seeking refuge, similar to finding it.

took refuge

Emphasizes the action of taking shelter, a direct synonym.

sought haven

Uses 'haven' as a synonym for sanctuary, emphasizing peace and security.

discovered safety

Emphasizes the finding of a safe place or situation.

gained shelter

Highlights the aspect of physical protection and shelter.

discovered a safe haven

Highlights both the discovery and the idea of a secure refuge.

obtained protection

Focuses on the aspect of being shielded from harm.

arrived at safety

Highlights the arrival or reaching of a secure location.

secured asylum

Implies a more formal or legal process of gaining protection.

FAQs

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

You can use "found sanctuary" to describe someone or something that has discovered a place of safety or refuge. For example: "After the long journey, the refugees "found sanctuary" in the neighboring country."

What can I say instead of "found sanctuary"?

You can use alternatives like "sought refuge", "took refuge", or "found refuge" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "found sanctuary" or "find sanctuary"?

"Found sanctuary" is used to describe a completed action of discovering a safe place. "Find sanctuary" would be used in a more hypothetical or future context. For example: "They hoped to "find sanctuary" in the mountains."

What is the difference between "found sanctuary" and "sought refuge"?

"Found sanctuary" implies that the refuge has been located and secured, while "sought refuge" simply means that someone is in the process of looking for a place of safety.