looking for solace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for solace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe someone who is searching for a source of comfort in a difficult time. For example, "With her health failing, Sarah was looking for solace in her faith."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

And when they go out to a restaurant, they are not looking for solace, they're looking for a good meal.

The New York Times - Food

While looking for solace at a séance, Lily instead contacts a horrific ghost who had been tortured and turned into a living marionette.

The New York Times

"I was looking for solace in the midst of the chaos all around, and I found it with Henry," he writes.

The New Yorker

In Letter to Sister Benedicta (1978), a middle-aged woman whose family life is unbearable writes to her former teacher, a nun, looking for solace.

Britannica

But if the Dutchman was looking for solace, then he might want to take a glance at the latest achievements of the one man who fared even worse.

The Guardian - Sport

He has played grief counselor, cheerleader and even elder statesman -- sometimes all in the same day -- to a public looking for solace anywhere it can find it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Grieving, I looked for solace in student memories.

The New York Times

Still, it's not surprising that he looked for solace elsewhere.

The Guardian - Books

As a book critic, one of the first places I've looked for solace is in novels.

The Guardian - Books

In the wake of tragedy, Shin-ae looks for solace in routine — scolding her recalcitrant students with renewed rigor — and then in religion.

The New York Times

Newly widowed after a 46-year marriage, Sally Ryder Brady looked for solace by reading memoirs and essays on grief by Joan Didion, Nora Ephron and Donald Hall.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking for solace" to describe a character's internal state or motivation, especially in narratives where characters face hardship or emotional turmoil.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for solace" in everyday situations where simpler phrases like "seeking comfort" or "trying to relax" would be more appropriate. This keeps the phrase impactful for more significant emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

"Looking for solace" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of seeking comfort or relief, typically in response to distress or hardship. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to describe individuals or groups attempting to alleviate emotional pain or find peace. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking for solace" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of seeking comfort or relief during times of distress. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate for describing scenarios where individuals or groups are attempting to alleviate emotional pain. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations involving significant emotional hardship, rather than overusing it in simplistic scenarios. Alternatives like "seeking comfort" or "finding peace" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, making it a valuable phrase in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking comfort

Focuses on the emotional aspect of finding relief.

searching for consolation

Implies a more formal or profound need for comfort.

finding comfort

Highlights the act of successfully obtaining solace.

seeking refuge

Suggests a need for protection or escape from something.

in search of peace

Emphasizes the tranquility one hopes to achieve.

desiring relief

Focuses on the longing for alleviation from suffering.

yearning for comfort

Highlights a deep and persistent desire for solace.

needing comfort

Directly states the requirement for emotional ease.

longing for consolation

Expresses a wistful desire for comfort in a sorrowful context.

hankering for peace

Suggests a strong desire for a state of calm and tranquility.

FAQs

How can I use "looking for solace" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for solace" to describe someone seeking comfort in a difficult situation. For example, "After the loss of her job, she was "looking for solace" in her family and friends."

What is a good alternative to "looking for solace"?

Alternatives to "looking for solace" include phrases like "seeking comfort", "searching for consolation", or "finding comfort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "looking for solace"?

While grammatically correct, "looking for solace" is best used in contexts involving significant emotional distress or hardship. Simpler terms may be preferable for minor discomforts.

What's the difference between "seeking solace" and "looking for solace"?

Both "seeking solace" and "looking for solace" convey a similar meaning, but "seeking solace" may sound slightly more formal or literary. "Looking for solace" is generally more common in everyday conversation.