take comfort from

USAGE SUMMARY

"take comfort from" is a common phrase used in written English.
You can use it when someone needs reassurance or solace in a difficult situation. For example, "When times are hard, take comfort from knowing that you can always rely on your friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Take comfort from that if you dare.

The Economist

"We can take comfort from that".

The New York Times - Sports

Take comfort from the conclusion..."...

The Guardian - Books

Many WMP-buyers probably take comfort from it.

The Economist

But no reason to take comfort from me.

The New York Times

Optimists take comfort from consumers' resilience so far.

The Economist

Yet he should take comfort from his wholeheartedness.

The Guardian - Sport

You might take comfort from looking across the Atlantic.

The Guardian

AS AMERICA surveys the map of eastern Africa, it finds little to take comfort from.

The Economist

It can also take comfort from the mis-steps of Airbus, its European rival.

The Economist

But he can take comfort from Clayton Christensen's classic book "The Innovator's Dilemma".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take comfort from", ensure that the source of comfort is clearly identified. For example, "take comfort from the support of your friends" is more specific and impactful than simply "take comfort".

Common error

Avoid using "take comfort from" in situations where the comfort derived is minimal or superficial. Overusing the phrase can dilute its meaning and make your writing sound insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take comfort from" functions as a verb phrase, where "take" is the main verb and "comfort from" acts as its complement, indicating the source of the comfort being derived. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Sport

9%

Books

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take comfort from" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey the act of finding reassurance or solace in something, particularly during difficult times. As Ludwig's AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted, making it suitable for various contexts. The phrase's usage spans from news and media to personal reflections, indicating its broad applicability. While there are numerous alternatives like ""find solace in"" or ""draw strength from"", it is important to consider the subtle nuances in meaning each phrase can convey. The examples from Ludwig clearly show how "take comfort from" is typically employed to offer encouragement or a positive outlook, whether in the face of personal challenges or broader societal issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find solace in

This alternative focuses on actively seeking and obtaining comfort, emphasizing the effort involved in the process.

derive consolation from

This phrase highlights the act of obtaining comfort specifically after a loss or disappointment.

draw strength from

This implies gaining not just comfort but also the ability to cope with a challenging situation.

be encouraged by

This suggests a boost in morale or confidence, rather than simply finding comfort.

gain reassurance from

This alternative focuses on the reduction of anxiety or doubt, emphasizing the restoration of confidence.

feel better about

This is a more general way of saying that someone experiences a positive emotional shift, often in response to a negative situation.

rest assured by

This implies that someone is being guaranteed a certain outcome, reducing their worries.

be soothed by

This alternative highlights a gentle easing of distress or emotional discomfort.

get a lift from

This is an informal way of saying that someone's spirits are raised, implying a temporary boost in mood.

see a silver lining in

This idiomatic expression means to find something positive in a negative situation, suggesting optimism and hope.

FAQs

How can I use "take comfort from" in a sentence?

You can use "take comfort from" to indicate finding solace or reassurance in something. For example, "During difficult times, you can "take comfort from" the support of loved ones."

What are some alternatives to saying "take comfort from"?

Some alternatives to "take comfort from" include "find solace in", "derive consolation from", or "draw strength from". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "take comfort from" formal or informal?

"Take comfort from" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation and audience should be considered.

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

To ""take comfort from"" something means to derive a sense of peace, reassurance, or solace from it, often during a time of distress or difficulty. It implies finding something that helps alleviate emotional pain or anxiety.