looking for comfort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for comfort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or need for emotional or physical solace in various contexts, such as personal struggles or seeking reassurance. Example: "After a long day at work, I find myself looking for comfort in my favorite book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"This is further challenged because at the High Holy Days, people are looking for comfort and familiarity — but what is comfortable and familiar, what reminds each person of home, can be hugely different from person to person".

The New York Times

I was looking for comfort".

The New York Times

"I am not looking for comfort," he says, grandly.

The Guardian - Film

Then, last year, when things became more challenging, people were looking for comfort and familiarity.

Independent

"On the one hand, you're looking for comfort," Mr. Tyndall said.

The New York Times

That sort of expense might be customary in commercial coffins, but we weren't looking for comfort.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

However, she cautions that eating after dark may lead to a slippery slope: "Emotionally and physically, we're tired at night and we're looking for comforting things.

Los Angeles Times

You look for comfort and connection from the strangers around you".

The New York Times - Style

He had looked for comfort in the Bible and found it in Corinthians: "Love is patient and kind".

The Guardian

Celebrities look for comfort and want to be pampered, said Dolly Lenz, the executive vice president of Insignia Douglas Elliman.

The New York Times - Style

"It is very easy to look for comfort in anything that takes you out of your head.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking for comfort", consider the specific type of comfort being sought, such as emotional, physical, or spiritual, to provide greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for comfort" as a generic phrase for all situations. Instead, consider if a more specific term like "seeking reassurance" or "desiring support" might be more appropriate for the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for comfort" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as a gerund phrase within a sentence. It often describes a state of seeking emotional or physical relief. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking for comfort" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of seeking solace, reassurance, or relief from distress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase in English writing. This guide has explored its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register, noting its prevalence in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While it's a versatile phrase, considering more specific alternatives like "seeking solace" or "desiring consolation" can enhance precision. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively use "looking for comfort" to convey the need for emotional or physical support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

craving comfort

Highlights the intensity of the need for comfort.

seeking solace

Emphasizes finding peace and relief from distress.

searching for reassurance

Highlights the need for confirmation and support to alleviate anxiety.

desiring consolation

Focuses on wanting comfort in a time of grief or disappointment.

finding peace

Implies actively searching for and achieving a state of tranquility.

in need of emotional support

Specifies the requirement for assistance with emotional well-being.

hankering for contentment

Expresses a yearning for a state of satisfaction and happiness.

yearning for relief

Implies a strong desire to escape pain or discomfort.

longing for ease

Focuses on the desire for a more relaxed and stress-free state.

wanting to feel better

A simpler way to express the desire for improved emotional state.

FAQs

What does "looking for comfort" mean?

It means seeking emotional or physical relief from distress, pain, or discomfort. It implies a need for solace and reassurance.

What can I say instead of "looking for comfort"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking solace", "searching for reassurance", or "desiring consolation depending on the context.

How to use "looking for comfort" in a sentence?

Example: After the difficult news, she was "looking for comfort" from her friends and family. It can also be used in more literal sense, such as: "If you're "looking for comfort", a concrete bench probably won't work for you."

Is "looking for comfort" formal or informal?

It is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "seeking reassurance" might be preferred in certain situations.