gain solace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain solace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to finding comfort or relief in a difficult situation. Example: "After the loss of her pet, she sought to gain solace in the memories they shared together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When people are depressed about life or the economy or whatever it happens to be, they gain solace from being able to escape at a sports event".

The New York Times

Let me gain solace at castle Nijo; Fusuma and byobu in Kano and Okyo.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This gamine runaway marries too young and ends up abused and abandoned, gaining solace only from a cassette of Mr. Stubbs and his group, the Four Tops, that she plays in her mobile home.

The New York Times - Arts

Barnes is far from the first and will not be the last to do so, but he admits he gains solace from the knowledge that Sir Alex Ferguson needed time and patience to make things happen at Old Trafford.

The Guardian - Sport

Hopefully we can gain some solace from that.

BBC

South Africa sought a review – desperate measures – but gained no solace.

The Guardian - Sport

We gain a little solace from the fact that the high point in Jo's life was her graduation in November when her life was perfect.

Independent

Society became degraded by corruption and women gained some moral solace in returning to religion, as well as the comfort of protective, modest anonymity that covering up on the street can bring.

The New Yorker

"There was a profound solace to be gained experiencing something eternal and truthful that took place long before human beings appeared on the planet".

The New York Times

And as it did, I began to feel that the solace I had gained might have been an empty, temporary one.

Huffington Post

Asked if he believed the Bible was literally true, word for word, and an infallible guide to history and science, he said, "From Scripture you can gain a lot of strength and solace and learn life's lessons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gain solace" when you want to emphasize the act of acquiring comfort or relief, especially in situations involving emotional distress, grief, or hardship. It is suitable when the subject actively seeks and finds comfort.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "gain solace" can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "find comfort" or "get relief" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain solace" functions as a verb phrase, where "gain" is a transitive verb and "solace" is its direct object. The phrase describes the act of acquiring comfort or relief, especially during times of distress or sorrow, according to Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gain solace" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression that describes the act of acquiring comfort or relief from distress. As Ludwig highlights, it is commonly found in news and media contexts, particularly when discussing emotional responses to difficult situations. While there are many alternative phrases like "find comfort" or "seek consolation", "gain solace" implies an active process of finding that comfort. It's crucial to consider the formality of the situation, as using "gain solace" might sound overly formal in casual settings. Overall, the analysis and Ludwig's examples confirm that "gain solace" is a valid and useful phrase for expressing the attainment of emotional relief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find comfort

Focuses on the act of discovering or realizing comfort, rather than acquiring relief from distress.

seek consolation

Emphasizes the active pursuit of comfort, often in a context of grief or loss.

derive comfort

Highlights that comfort is obtained as a consequence or result of something.

find relief

Focuses on alleviating distress or hardship, often of a temporary nature.

obtain peace

Indicates acquiring a state of calmness and tranquility, which may not necessarily involve overcoming distress.

achieve serenity

Suggests reaching a state of profound calmness and composure, often through effort or spiritual practice.

secure peace of mind

Highlights the act of making one's mental state secure and free from anxiety.

get relief

Similar to finding relief, but may imply a more passive reception of alleviation.

acquire peace

Implies taking possession of tranquility, often through internal or external changes.

garner solace

Similar to gain solace, but it may imply a gentle, gradual gathering of comfort.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain solace" to describe finding comfort or relief in a situation, such as "After the loss, she tried to "gain solace" in her family's support."

What are some alternatives to "gain solace"?

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

Is it better to say "gain solace" or "find solace"?

Both "gain solace" and "find solace" are correct, but "gain solace" might suggest a more active effort in acquiring comfort, while "find solace" is more general. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "gain solace" and "gain comfort"?

"Gain solace" specifically implies alleviating distress or grief, whereas "gain comfort" is a broader term that refers to any form of physical or emotional ease. "Gain solace" is often used in more serious or somber situations.