take refuge in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take refuge in" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to mean seeking safety in something, such as a person or place. For example: "In times of trouble, she would always take refuge in her grandmother's comforting words."

✓ 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

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

The states can also take refuge in America's federalist system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take refuge in", ensure the object of the preposition clearly provides a sense of safety, comfort, or escape. Avoid using it with objects that inherently represent danger or instability.

Common error

Avoid using "take refuge in" with abstract concepts that don't offer genuine support or safety. For instance, instead of saying "take refuge in denial", consider "find temporary relief in denial".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take refuge in" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of seeking protection, safety, or comfort. Ludwig AI validates this by showing numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe finding security in a particular place, person, or thing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take refuge in" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe seeking safety, comfort, or escape in something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Formal & Business" settings, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When using this phrase, ensure the object of refuge clearly provides a sense of safety. Alternative phrases like "seek sanctuary in", "find shelter in", and "seek solace in" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek sanctuary in

Implies seeking a safe or holy place for protection.

find shelter in

Focuses on the act of finding physical or emotional protection.

find comfort in

Focuses specifically on the comfort derived from something.

seek solace in

Highlights finding comfort or consolation in something during distress.

turn to for comfort

Emphasizes relying on something for emotional support.

retreat to

Suggests withdrawing to a place or activity for peace and quiet.

escape into

Conveys a sense of leaving a difficult situation by immersing oneself in something else.

fall back on

Indicates relying on something as a backup or support system.

hide within

Suggests concealing oneself or one's feelings in something.

cling to

Highlights holding onto something tightly for support and security.

FAQs

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

You can use "take refuge in" to describe seeking safety, comfort, or escape in something. For example, "During the storm, we had to "take shelter in" the basement".

What can I say instead of "take refuge in"?

Alternatives to "take refuge in" include "seek sanctuary in", "find shelter in", or "seek solace in", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "took refuge to" instead of "take refuge in"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "take refuge" is "in". Saying "took refuge to" is grammatically incorrect. Use "took refuge in" to correctly express the action.

What is the difference between "take refuge in" and "find comfort in"?

"Take refuge in" implies seeking safety or escape from a difficult situation, while "find comfort in" suggests finding solace or consolation. The former is about protection, the latter about emotional support.