take refuge

USAGE SUMMARY

"take refuge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean to find safety or shelter, especially during a time of need or danger. For example, "When the storm arrived, the villagers had to take refuge in the caves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So take refuge in art.

The New York Times - Arts

They take refuge in remote tribal regions.

The New York Times

I had to take refuge in poetry".

The New York Times - Magazine

Still Has Truth Take Refuge.

The New York Times - Books

You take refuge in it.

The Guardian

Gather round to take refuge in him.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I take refuge in him now.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I take refuge in this pure man.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And thousands take refuge in KidFu.

The New York Times - Tech

They take refuge in a printing works.

The Guardian

General Guei had to take refuge in a police barracks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take refuge", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is seeking refuge from and where they are seeking it. For example, "The villagers took refuge in the mountains from the invading army."

Common error

Avoid using "take refuge" when a more active or forceful verb is required. "Take refuge" implies a passive seeking of shelter, not an aggressive defense. For example, instead of "The soldiers took refuge in attacking the enemy", a better phrase would be "The soldiers retaliated against the enemy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take refuge" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the act of seeking shelter or protection. It indicates a movement or action towards safety, as demonstrated by Ludwig in numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take refuge" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of seeking safety or shelter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, from news reports to academic papers. While generally neutral in tone, understanding its connotations is vital to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "seek shelter" or "find sanctuary" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to clarify what the subject is seeking refuge from and where they are finding it to ensure clarity. Ludwig provides numerous examples to aid in mastering its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek shelter

Emphasizes the act of actively looking for a place of protection, can imply a temporary solution.

escape to safety

Highlights the act of fleeing from a dangerous situation to reach a secure location.

retreat to safety

Focuses on the action of moving away from danger towards a secure location.

find sanctuary

Implies finding a safe and sacred place, often associated with religious or historical contexts.

find a haven

Emphasizes discovering a peaceful and safe place, often after a period of difficulty.

seek asylum

Specifically refers to seeking protection from persecution in another country.

take cover

Implies quickly seeking protection from immediate danger, such as an attack or explosion.

hole up

Suggests hiding or sheltering in a secret or secluded place, often informally.

go into hiding

Suggests deliberately concealing oneself to avoid detection or harm, often over a longer period.

go to ground

Means to hide oneself, especially to avoid capture, often used in criminal or espionage contexts.

FAQs

How do I use "take refuge" in a sentence?

"Take refuge" is used to describe seeking shelter or protection. For example, "During the storm, the family had to take refuge in the basement."

What can I say instead of "take refuge"?

You can use alternatives like "seek shelter", "find sanctuary", or "seek asylum", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "take refuge" or "took refuge"?

Both are correct, depending on the tense needed. "Take refuge" is present tense, while "took refuge" is past tense. For example, "They take refuge in the church every Sunday" (present) versus "They took refuge in the church during the war" (past).

What's the difference between "take refuge" and "seek protection"?

"Take refuge" implies finding a place of safety, whereas "seek protection" is a broader term that can include both physical and non-physical means of defense.