gave him refuge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave him refuge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone provides safety or shelter to another person, often in a context of danger or persecution. Example: "During the storm, the kind stranger gave him refuge in her home until the weather cleared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Zelaya sneaked back into the country in September, and the Brazilians gave him refuge.

The New Yorker

My father fought for a country that gave him refuge, but little else.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He frightens them into taking him back to their place and giving him refuge till the coast is clear.

The New Yorker

Costanza Colonna, in particular, would be a constant support during his most troubled years, giving him refuge and shielding him from justice when he was a wanted man.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The United States has posted a $10 million reward for his capture; American and Iraqi officials have accused the Syrian government of giving him refuge.

The New York Times

"For my father, France was the country of Victor Hugo, the country that had given him refuge when his republican parents were forced to flee Franco's massacres," she wrote in her book Mon Combat pour Paris (My Fight for Paris).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A relative who is a well-to-do farmer in Dera Ismail Khan gave them refuge.

Unicef

Gambia also offered to give them refuge, saying it was a "sacred duty" to help fellow Muslims.

BBC

They gave me refuge here.

The Guardian

My friends gave us refuge".

Huffington Post

The Taliban also gave refuge to Osama bin Laden when he had to leave Sudan, welcoming him as a comrade from the struggle against Soviet forces and as a Muslim hero.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gave him refuge", ensure the context clearly indicates the threat or danger from which the person is being protected. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "gave him refuge" in situations where simple assistance or hospitality is provided without a significant element of danger or threat. Using terms like "helped him" or "accommodated him" may be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave him refuge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of providing protection and shelter to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe acts of providing safety.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave him refuge" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express the act of providing safety and shelter to someone, particularly in situations of danger or persecution. While not extremely common, Ludwig AI validates its usability, and it appears in reputable sources like The New Yorker, The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the threat or danger and that the scale of assistance goes beyond simple hospitality. Alternatives like "provided him shelter" or "offered him asylum" may be considered for slight variations in tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided him shelter

Replaces "gave" with "provided" and "refuge" with "shelter", offering a slightly more formal tone.

offered him asylum

Substitutes "refuge" with "asylum", implying a more official or legal granting of protection.

sheltered him

Condenses the phrase into a single verb, making it more concise.

harbored him

Implies a more secretive or protective act of giving refuge.

gave him sanctuary

Replaces "refuge" with "sanctuary", suggesting a sacred or inviolable place of safety.

took him in

An idiomatic expression for providing someone with shelter and care.

protected him

Focuses on the act of shielding someone from danger.

housed him

Emphasizes the provision of a place to live.

offered him protection

Replaces "gave" with "offered" and "refuge" with "protection", focusing on the act of keeping someone safe.

allowed him safe haven

Implies a place where someone can be safe and secure.

FAQs

What does "gave him refuge" mean?

The phrase "gave him refuge" means to provide someone with shelter and protection, especially from danger or persecution.

What are some alternatives to saying "gave him refuge"?

You can use alternatives like "provided him shelter", "offered him asylum", or "sheltered him" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "gave him refuge"?

It's appropriate when someone is providing safety and protection to another person who is in danger or facing persecution. It suggests a significant need for safety.

Is there a difference between "gave him refuge" and "gave him shelter"?

While similar, "gave him refuge" often implies a greater sense of danger or threat than "gave him shelter". "Gave him refuge" suggests protection from persecution or serious harm, whereas "gave him shelter" can refer to protection from weather or temporary hardship.