Take heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Take heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to remain hopeful or to be brave in difficult situations. Example: "Even though the journey ahead seems daunting, take heart; we will overcome these challenges together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take heart, Rand Richards Cooper.

The New York Times

Take heart, chili heads.

The New York Times - Science

Take heart, everybody.

The New York Times

Take heart, Mr. Finn.

The New York Times

"Take heart," he writes.

The New York Times

Take heart, America.

The New York Times - Books

Take heart, indeed.

The New Yorker

Take heart, fans.

The New York Times - Arts

Take heart, Knicks fans.

The New York Times - Sports

(Take heart, McCain doubters).

The New York Times - Books

Take heart, Elvis seekers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Take heart" when you want to offer encouragement or reassurance in the face of challenges or setbacks. It's particularly effective when addressing someone who may be feeling discouraged or anxious.

Common error

Avoid using "Take heart" in extremely informal or casual situations where simpler expressions of encouragement would be more appropriate. It can sound overly formal or theatrical if misused. Opt for phrases like "Don't worry" or "It'll be okay" in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take heart" is as an idiomatic verb phrase used to encourage someone. As Ludwig AI highlights, it expresses reassurance and urges one to regain courage. It often functions as an imperative, directing the listener or reader to adopt a more hopeful or brave attitude.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Take heart" is a versatile phrase used to encourage bravery and hope in challenging situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and effective in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide array of written and spoken communications. While generally appropriate, avoiding its use in overly casual settings ensures its impact remains strong. Consider related phrases like "be encouraged" or "keep your chin up" for nuanced expressions of support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be encouraged

Directly urges someone to feel encouraged, focusing on the positive emotional state.

Keep your chin up

An idiomatic expression encouraging someone to stay positive and resilient in the face of adversity.

Don't despair

Advises against losing hope, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimism.

Have faith

Encourages trust and belief in a positive outcome, often in challenging circumstances.

Look on the bright side

Promotes focusing on the positive aspects of a situation, even when things are difficult.

Stay strong

Urges resilience and perseverance during tough times, highlighting the need for inner strength.

Keep the faith

Similar to "have faith", emphasizing continued trust and belief in a favorable outcome.

Be brave

A call to courage, focusing on acting with bravery in a difficult situation.

Find solace

Suggests seeking comfort or reassurance, implying a need for emotional support.

Draw encouragement

Focuses on actively seeking and gaining encouragement from a situation or source.

FAQs

How can I use "Take heart" in a sentence?

"Take heart"; even though the project faces challenges, we have a strong team to overcome them. You can also say, "Be encouraged".

What is the meaning of "Take heart"?

The meaning of "Take heart" is to be encouraged, to regain courage, or to not lose hope in a difficult situation. It's a way of offering reassurance and support.

What can I say instead of "Take heart"?

You can use alternatives like "Keep your chin up", "Don't despair", or "Have faith" depending on the context.

Is "Take heart" formal or informal?

"Take heart" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It's suitable for a variety of situations, but in very casual settings, a simpler phrase like "Stay strong" might be more appropriate.