to give consolation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to give consolation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of providing comfort or support to someone who is experiencing grief or distress. Example: "During the difficult times, it is important to give consolation to those who are suffering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's hard to know what to say in your funeral homily, almost impossible to give consolation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As Scott lay dying "there was no thought for himself, only the earnest thought to give comfort and consolation to others".

Wikipedia

Rather than grappling with the truly challenging, foundational questions, Aczel, I discovered, preferred to recite middle-brow explanations that might give consolation to people of faith but that never really come close to achieving a reconciliation of science and faith.

Huffington Post

One of their conclusions ought to give shareowners consolation: shares do indeed outperform bonds over the long run, in every country studied.

The Economist

Fr McCafferty added that Fr McCoy's account of the night had given consolation to the dead man's mother, who had spent almost 25 years without any answers about his death.

BBC

His sensitivity to suffering extended to others: one of his friends remembered that "he gave consolation not by covering up sorrow, but by first making one genuinely aware of it, by bringing it to complete clarity".

The Guardian - Opinion

He lost out on both awards to Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale and teammate Jack Wilshere, respectively, but was given consolation with an appearance on the association's Team of the Year.

Wikipedia

Their winsome melodies stalked my subconscious, gave consolation and delight in equal measure, and served both as mirrors and shelters to their listeners' tatty yearnings.

The Guardian - Books

When the nurse and the patient become ready to give and receive consolation at the same time, they are in a state of communion where mutual consolation may take place.

BMC Nursing

Enlightened, he leaves us for a place where, seemingly, he'll be given consolation.

The New Yorker

Ian Humphreys intercepted a scruffy pass from a scrappy ruck to give Ulster a consolation try and cast a little light on their hopes to scrape through to the last eight as a best runner-up, but it was but a moment of inefficiency by Saracens to give away cheap score.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to give consolation" when you want to express the act of offering comfort, support, or solace to someone who is experiencing grief, distress, or hardship. This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to give consolation" in situations that are trivial or humorous, as it can sound overly serious or insincere. Ensure the context warrants the expression of comfort or support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to give consolation" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It clarifies the intention behind an action, indicating that the action is performed to provide comfort or support. Ludwig indicates that this is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to give consolation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates the intention to provide comfort or support, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile, appearing in various contexts from news reports to personal reflections, though its register tends to be neutral. Alternatives such as "to offer solace" or "to provide comfort" can be used to convey similar meanings. While generally appropriate, it's crucial to avoid using the phrase in trivial or humorous settings. Ludwig's examples provide a practical insight into how this phrase can be effectively employed in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to offer solace

Focuses on providing emotional comfort or relief from distress.

to provide comfort

Emphasizes the act of easing someone's distress or grief.

to bring solace

Highlights the action of bringing comfort to someone in need.

to ease suffering

Focuses on alleviating pain or distress, whether physical or emotional.

to alleviate grief

Specifically addresses the reduction of sorrow or mourning.

to assuage pain

Implies a more gentle or gradual relief of discomfort.

to lighten sorrow

Suggests making someone's sadness less heavy or burdensome.

to impart consolation

Uses a more formal tone to describe the act of giving comfort.

to extend sympathy

Focuses on expressing feelings of compassion and understanding.

to lend support

Emphasizes the provision of practical or emotional assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "to give consolation" in a sentence?

You can use "to give consolation" to describe the act of providing comfort or support during a difficult time. For example, "It's hard "to give consolation" during a funeral homily".

What are some alternatives "to give consolation"?

Alternatives include "to offer solace", "to provide comfort", and "to ease suffering". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "give consolation" or "offer consolation"?

Both "give consolation" and "offer consolation" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence.

When is it appropriate "to give consolation"?

It's appropriate "to give consolation" when someone is experiencing grief, loss, or significant distress. It signifies offering comfort and support to help them cope.