took refuge

USAGE SUMMARY

"took refuge" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It means to seek shelter or protection from something. Example: After the devastating tornado, many families took refuge in emergency shelters provided by the Red Cross.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She took refuge in Mason's house.

The New Yorker

Driven out, Tiridates took refuge at Rome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He took refuge behind a rock.

The New Yorker

He took refuge in the hypothetical.

Independent

The queen took refuge at Canossa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others took refuge where they could.

The Economist

Hall took refuge in drink.

The Guardian

Robert's class took refuge in the cafeteria.

The New York Times - Magazine

Civilians took refuge in their homes.

The New York Times

She took refuge in the nearby countryside.

The Guardian - Books

Hundreds of people took refuge there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took refuge", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is seeking protection from and where they found safety. This adds clarity and depth to your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is using the wrong preposition after "refuge". Always use "in" to indicate the place of refuge (e.g., "took refuge in a building") and "from" to specify the threat or danger (e.g., "took refuge from the storm").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took refuge" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of seeking and finding protection or shelter. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase describes situations where individuals or groups actively sought and secured safety from a perceived threat or danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took refuge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the action of seeking and finding protection from a threat. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It commonly appears in news, encyclopedias, and other forms of media to convey narratives of safety-seeking behavior. When using "took refuge", specify the location of refuge with "in" and the source of danger with "from". Alternative phrases like "sought shelter" or "found sanctuary" can be used to add nuance to your writing. By understanding its proper usage and context, writers can effectively communicate situations where individuals or groups have found safety amidst danger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought shelter

Emphasizes the act of actively looking for and finding protection. Similar in meaning but can imply a more deliberate search.

found sanctuary

Implies a sacred or safe place was discovered for protection, which adds a layer of emotional security and safeness to the phrase.

sought asylum

Specifically refers to seeking protection from persecution, often in a foreign country; more formal and legalistic.

retreated to safety

Indicates a movement away from danger towards a secure location, focusing on the act of withdrawing.

hid for protection

Highlights the act of concealing oneself to avoid harm; simple and direct, focusing on the physical action of hiding.

escaped to safety

Highlights fleeing from a dangerous situation and reaching a safe location, emphasizing the escape element.

sheltered themselves

Focuses on the action of providing protection for oneself, without necessarily mentioning a specific location.

sought haven

Similar to "found sanctuary", implying a place of peace and security was actively looked for.

went into hiding

A more colloquial way of expressing the act of concealing oneself from danger, implying a prolonged period.

took cover

Implies quickly finding a place to protect oneself from immediate danger, such as during an attack.

FAQs

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

You can use "took refuge" to describe someone seeking shelter or protection. For example, "The civilians "took refuge in their homes" during the bombing" or "The climbers "took refuge in a cave" to escape the blizzard".

What are some alternatives to "took refuge"?

Alternatives include "sought shelter", "found sanctuary", or "sought asylum", depending on the specific context and the nature of the protection sought.

Is it more appropriate to say "took refuge in" or "took refuge at"?

It is generally more appropriate to say "took refuge in" when referring to a place (e.g., "They took refuge in the church"). "Took refuge at" is less common but can be used for a specific location or institution (e.g., "They took refuge at the embassy").

What's the difference between "took refuge" and "sought refuge"?

"Took refuge" implies that the refuge was successfully obtained. "Sought refuge" emphasizes the act of seeking or attempting to find refuge, but doesn't guarantee that it was found. So, if the effort to find safety was successful, use "took refuge"; if you want to highlight the search itself, use "sought refuge".