words of consolation

USAGE SUMMARY

"words of consolation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to words of sympathy or comfort spoken to someone who is in despair, grief, or distress. For example: The family was grateful for the words of consolation spoken by their loved ones after the death of their beloved mother.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 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

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

The Guardian - Film

Our prayers and thoughts and words of consolation go out to all those who have suffered.

The New York Times

There were no words of consolation from Umaga as he was taken off on a stretcher.

The Guardian - Sport

He had words of consolation for the two disappointed athletes on his team, too, Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering "words of consolation", be genuine and specific to the situation. Avoid generic phrases and focus on providing personalized support.

Common error

Avoid using overused or insincere phrases when offering "words of consolation". Instead, focus on expressing genuine empathy and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "words of consolation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it used to describe acts of offering comfort and support, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "words of consolation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the act of offering comfort and support during times of distress. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase with the purpose of providing reassurance and empathy. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, encyclopedias, and science-related content. When offering "words of consolation", it is crucial to be genuine and avoid clichés, focusing instead on personalized support tailored to the individual's specific situation. Alternatives such as "comforting words" or "expressions of sympathy" can be used to add variety while maintaining the core message of empathy and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

words of comfort and support

Expands on the original phrase to explicitly include the element of encouragement.

comforting words

Highlights the soothing and reassuring nature of the language used.

soothing words

Emphasizes the calming effect of the words used.

sympathetic remarks

Emphasizes the feeling of shared sorrow or understanding.

reassuring words

Highlights the act of alleviating someone's doubts and fears.

empathetic expressions

Highlights the ability to share and understand another person's feelings.

expressions of sympathy

Focuses on the outward display of understanding and care.

supportive statements

Focuses on the act of providing encouragement and validation.

uplifting messages

Emphasizes the positive and encouraging nature of the communication.

condolences

A formal expression of sympathy, often used in writing.

FAQs

How can I use "words of consolation" effectively?

Use "words of consolation" to offer comfort, support, and empathy to someone experiencing grief, loss, or distress. Be genuine, specific, and avoid clichés.

What are some alternatives to "words of consolation"?

You can use alternatives like "comforting words", "expressions of sympathy", or "supportive statements" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "words of consolation" and "words of condolence"?

"Words of consolation" generally refer to any comforting or supportive words, while "words of condolence" are specifically used to express sympathy for someone's loss, often after a death.

How to avoid sounding insincere when offering "words of consolation"?

Focus on being present and listening actively to the person in distress. Tailor your "words of consolation" to their specific situation and feelings, showing that you understand their unique experience. Avoid generic platitudes.