word of consolation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "word of consolation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when offering comfort or support to someone who is experiencing distress or sadness. Example: "In times of grief, a simple word of consolation can mean a lot to those who are hurting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A word of consolation, though, from soul diva Beverly Knight.

Independent

The neurologist calling with the confirmation offered "neither a word of consolation nor a recommendation of treatment," Cohen remembers.

The New York Times - Books

The broker got right to the point on his speaker phone without a word of consolation or concern: "Don't you need space?

The New York Times

Miller had heard the rumors that Prabhakaran might be dead, but he was not surprised when the Tiger leader reappeared in mid-January, without a word of consolation for his people's losses.

The New Yorker

Mrs Brown suffers toe-curling scrutiny A word of consolation, now, for Sarah Brown, who is enduring the indignity of having her left foot roundly scrutinised after a photo of her visit to a Hindu temple in Neasden, north-west London, revealed her crossed-over toes.

Independent

(He said he had angrily said several times, "Who is the guide, you or me?") "Now I am deeply repentant for not properly understanding the American culture, and I offer my sincere word of consolation to the guide," Mr. Yoon said, facing a bank of television cameras.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"The grief is immeasurable, no words of consolation will ever be enough," he said.

The Economist

Rose opened her mouth and waited, but no wise words of consolation spilled out.

The New Yorker

The town's drug counsellor, Deborah Trent, offered words of consolation, but no answers.

The Guardian

When he offers words of consolation he later criticises himself for being too vague.

The Guardian - Film

Then Mr. Curtis murmurs words of consolation, and she brightens and tells another joke.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering a "word of consolation", ensure it is genuine and tailored to the individual's specific situation. Avoid generic platitudes that may seem insincere.

Common error

Avoid using overused and empty phrases that lack genuine empathy. Instead of saying something like "Everything happens for a reason", try acknowledging their pain and offering specific support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "word of consolation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a verbal expression of comfort or support given to someone who is suffering.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "word of consolation" is a noun phrase used to describe an expression of sympathy or comfort offered to someone experiencing distress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English for providing support. While not extremely frequent, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news media, formal communications, and even scientific writing. When offering a "word of consolation", it’s important to be genuine and avoid clichés, opting instead for specific and heartfelt expressions of empathy. Alternatives like "words of comfort" or "message of solace" may be used depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

words of comfort

This alternative emphasizes the comforting aspect and uses a plural form to highlight multiple expressions.

message of solace

This phrase focuses on providing relief from distress and offers a more formal tone.

expression of sympathy

This option centers on conveying feelings of compassion and understanding.

gesture of support

This focuses on offering practical or emotional assistance during a difficult time.

act of compassion

This alternative highlights the empathetic nature of the supportive action.

note of encouragement

This phrase shifts the focus to inspiring hope and resilience.

consoling remark

This alternative refers to a single statement aimed at providing comfort.

sympathetic utterance

This is a more formal way of describing a spoken expression of care.

reassuring statement

This alternative emphasizes providing confidence and reducing anxiety.

offering of empathy

This stresses the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

FAQs

How can I use "word of consolation" in a sentence?

You can use "word of consolation" to describe an act of offering comfort or support, such as: "A simple "word of consolation" can make a big difference in times of grief."

What are some alternatives to "word of consolation"?

Some alternatives include "words of comfort", "message of solace", or "expression of sympathy".

Is it better to offer a "word of consolation" or "words of consolation"?

Both are correct, but "words of consolation" is more common as it suggests multiple expressions of comfort. "Word of consolation" can refer to a single, specific instance.

When is it appropriate to offer a "word of consolation"?

It's appropriate to offer a "word of consolation" when someone is experiencing sadness, grief, or hardship. The goal is to provide support and show empathy during a difficult time.