a heart for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a heart for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a strong feeling of sympathy or concern for a person, a cause, or an activity. For example, "She had a heart for helping the homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

A heart for freedom.

The New York Times

And I believe he has a heart for the Gospel".

The New Yorker

"'Let's be up and doing with a heart for any fate.' It's brilliant that.

The Guardian - Music

I do have a heart for people who live in the shadows.

The New Yorker

However, there are signs of compassion and a heart for justice in the Vineyard.

The New Yorker

"He knew how to run a business and have a heart for the community.

The New York Times

The third factor, he said, was "the fact that he has a heart for the poor".

The New York Times

They have a heart for the work and know well enough thank you very much what needs to be done.

The New York Times

Once we accept a heart for transplant, a cascade of events unfolds that will change the lives of many people.

The New York Times

"I know that you will always remember him as a giant of a man on stage with a heart for every one of you," his mother said.

The Guardian - Music

Vignarajah stood on the courthouse steps and read: "Our family has lived without a heart for over 17 years and we continue to grieve every day in private".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heart for" to convey a genuine sense of caring, concern, or dedication towards a specific group, cause, or activity. Ensure the context aligns with expressing deep empathy or commitment.

Common error

While "a heart for" is a powerful expression, avoid overusing it in your writing. Excessive repetition can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "compassion for", "empathy towards", or "dedication to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heart for" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to describe someone's inherent compassion, empathy, or dedication towards a particular group, cause, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a heart for" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that conveys deep empathy, concern, or dedication. As verified by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and business contexts. While versatile, aim to use it judiciously in writing, opting for synonyms when appropriate to avoid repetition. The phrase is best used to highlight a genuine, heartfelt connection or commitment. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post, indicating its prevalence in reputable media outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassion for

Replaces "heart" with "compassion", focusing on the feeling of empathy.

empathy towards

Uses "empathy" to highlight understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

concern for

Emphasizes worry and care about someone or something.

dedication to

Shifts the focus to commitment and devotion.

passion for

Highlights intense enthusiasm and excitement.

sympathy for

Focuses on sharing the feelings of sorrow or pity for someone.

a soft spot for

Implies a particular fondness or affection.

caring about

Uses a more general term to express concern and consideration.

a deep interest in

Focuses on a strong level of curiosity and engagement.

fondness for

Expresses affection or liking.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heart for" to describe someone's deep empathy or dedication. For example, "She has "a heart for" helping the homeless" or "He showed "a heart for" social justice."

What can I say instead of "a heart for"?

You can use alternatives like "compassion for", "empathy towards", or "dedication to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have a heart for"?

Yes, "have "a heart for"" is a correct and commonly used expression to indicate empathy or concern. For instance, "Mr. President, have "a heart for" a change."

What's the difference between "sympathy for" and "a heart for"?

"Sympathy for" generally implies feeling sorrow or pity for someone's misfortune, while ""a heart for"" suggests a deeper, more active caring and commitment to a cause or group.