With a heavy heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "With a heavy heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express sadness or regret when conveying difficult news or making a tough decision. Example: "With a heavy heart, I must inform you that we will be closing the branch next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a heavy heart, he left San Francisco for Copenhagen.

TechCrunch

"With a heavy heart, I call on Anthony to resign.

Huffington Post

With a heavy heart we bring you: the eight most devastating episodes of all time.

Huffington Post

With a heavy heart, I made my way upstairs, holding my husband's hand.

Huffington Post

"He left with a heavy heart".

The New York Times - Sports

"We are participating with a heavy heart".

The New York Times

"I say this with a heavy heart.

The Guardian

"Dear Families, I write to you with a heavy heart.

The Guardian

I now leave Yemen with a heavy heart.

The Guardian

"How does it work?" I ask, with a heavy heart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I come today with a heavy heart," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "With a heavy heart" when conveying bad news, announcing a difficult decision, or expressing sorrow over an event. It adds a touch of sincerity and empathy to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "With a heavy heart" in situations that are not genuinely serious or sorrowful. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Reserve it for moments that truly warrant such an expression of grief or regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "With a heavy heart" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by expressing the manner or emotional state in which an action is performed or a statement is made. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is typically used to express sadness or regret. Examples in Ludwig show it often precedes announcements of difficult decisions or expressions of sympathy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "With a heavy heart" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express sorrow or regret when conveying difficult news or making tough decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral to professional register, adding sincerity to formal announcements and heartfelt communications. Alternatives like "with great sadness" or "with deep regret" offer similar sentiments. Use it judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic and reserve it for genuinely serious occasions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

With a heavy spirit

Similar to "with a heavy heart", but uses "spirit" instead.

With great sadness

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow, focusing on the emotional impact.

With deep regret

Highlights the feeling of remorse or disappointment.

With a sense of loss

Focuses on the feeling of bereavement or deprivation.

With considerable sorrow

Similar to "with great sadness", but emphasizes the extent of the sorrow.

With a grieving soul

Emphasizes deep sorrow and mourning.

In a mournful state

Describes the emotional condition, focusing on the experience of grief.

Reluctantly

Focuses on the hesitation or unwillingness to do something, implying sadness.

Regretfully

Highlights the feeling of regret, similar to "with deep regret".

Sadly

A simple and direct way to express sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "With a heavy heart" in a sentence?

You can use "With a heavy heart" to express sadness or regret when announcing bad news, making a difficult decision, or reflecting on a sorrowful event. For example, "With a heavy heart, I announce my resignation."

What can I say instead of "With a heavy heart"?

You can use alternatives like "with great sadness", "with deep regret", or "reluctantly" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "With a heavy heart" in formal writing?

Yes, "With a heavy heart" is appropriate in formal writing when expressing sincere sorrow or regret. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece and avoid overuse.

What's the difference between "With a heavy heart" and "With a heavy soul"?

While both phrases express sadness, "With a heavy heart" typically refers to a specific sorrow or regret related to a decision or event. "With a heavy soul", on the other hand, suggests a more profound and enduring sense of sadness or grief.