gain comfort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain comfort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of finding solace or reassurance in a situation. Example: "During difficult times, many people seek ways to gain comfort from their loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

People are collected in groups in front of their houses, to gain comfort in crowds.

The New York Times

It was a way to honor my mother's memory and to gain comfort from others in the community".

The New York Times

Homeopathic treatments are generally regarded to be ineffective and amount to little more than water, though some people claim to gain comfort from them.

Independent

I gain comfort from other authors, some of them favorite authors, who share my writerly fascination with "real people" (real writers, to be specific).

The Guardian - Books

They are all encouraging us to imagine a past, one in which we might place ourselves and from which we might gain comfort.

The Guardian - Opinion

He used that time to gain comfort with a subtle mechanical tweak — his hips now open more as he finishes his delivery — and a new curveball, one that he turned to out of necessity.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Greenpeace mourned the loss, but gained comfort from the worldwide condemnation of the French.

The Economist

That's how people start conversations and those are ice breakers in terms of gaining comfort between two people.

The Guardian - Money

There are other components that Long wants to tackle in the future, but he wanted Jeter to focus on gaining comfort hitting without a stride.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he is gaining comfort with his new wind-up, but it's still totally bizarre watching him pitch without the high leg kick.

The New York Times

Ponyboy is not exactly an academic boy, but while he and his friend Johnny are on the run, after Johnny has accidentally killed a boy from another gang, Ponyboy gains comfort from reading Gone With the Wind and Robert Frost.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about emotional states, use "gain comfort" to emphasize the active process of acquiring solace or reassurance. For instance, "After the loss, she tried to "gain comfort" from her friends and family".

Common error

Avoid using "gain comfort" in contexts where something inanimate is the subject. It's more appropriate for living beings that can experience comfort. For example, instead of "The new system "gained comfort" through rigorous testing", consider "The new system's reliability was validated through rigorous testing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain comfort" functions as a verb phrase where "gain" acts as a transitive verb and "comfort" serves as its direct object. It describes the action of obtaining a state of ease or relief, as evidenced in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gain comfort" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of obtaining solace or reassurance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and general informational sources. While "find solace", "seek reassurance", and "derive consolation" serve as effective alternatives, "gain comfort" specifically emphasizes the active process of acquiring a more eased state. Pay attention to using it with animate subjects and remember that its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find solace

Replaces "gain" with "find" implying a discovery of comfort rather than an active acquisition.

derive consolation

Uses "derive" suggesting comfort is extracted from a source, more formal than "gain".

seek reassurance

Focuses on seeking confirmation and support to reduce anxiety, instead of general comfort.

find relief

Highlights the alleviation of distress, a more specific type of comfort.

attain peace of mind

More about mental tranquility and emotional stability than general comfort.

feel at ease

Emphasizes a state of calmness and lack of worry, less about active gaining.

get used to

Emphasizes the process of habituation, which indirectly provides comfort over time.

become accustomed

Shifts focus to adapting to a situation rather than emotional or physical comfort.

develop familiarity

Focuses on becoming acquainted and knowledgeable, reducing unease through understanding.

grow confident

Highlights an increase in self-assurance instead of a reduction in discomfort.

FAQs

What does it mean to "gain comfort" from something?

To "gain comfort" means to find solace, reassurance, or a sense of well-being from something, often in a difficult or distressing situation. It implies an active process of finding relief or support.

How can I use "gain comfort" in a sentence?

You can use "gain comfort" to describe how someone finds relief from distress. For example, "During times of stress, many people "find solace" by spending time in nature".

What are some synonyms for "gain comfort"?

Alternatives to "gain comfort" include "find solace", "seek reassurance", or "derive consolation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "gain comfort" and "find comfort"?

While similar, "gain comfort" implies a more active process of acquiring comfort, whereas "find comfort" suggests a discovery or realization of comfort that was already present or available. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the intended emphasis.