always at heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always at heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep, intrinsic feeling or belief that remains constant regardless of external circumstances. Example: "Even after all these years, I know I am always at heart a dreamer, chasing after my passions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Brent was always, at heart, a dreamer.

The Guardian - Film

JEFFREY TOOBIN: I think constitutional law is always, at heart, political.

The New Yorker

And although he remained there the rest of his short life -- he committed suicide in 1948 -- he was always at heart a refugee.

The New York Times - Arts

He had imagined himself a soldier in the struggle to create a literature that could stand on equal terms with the literatures of Europe, and he had always, at heart, imagined that one writer in particular would fulfill this hope.

The New Yorker

The mockumentary format originated as a allergic response to reality television, and Mitchell Hurwitz's black comedy was always, at heart, a furious and intrusive documentary investigation into a rich, spoiled family, its satire undergirded by a quiet fury — not detached, à la Christopher Guest, but enraged at the lack of love.

The New Yorker

The truth is that although Heath had tried to present himself as the champion of ruthless neoliberalism, he was always at heart a "one nation" Tory with little appetite for the kind of confrontation his successor as Conservative Party leader, Margaret Thatcher, relished.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

For those who are always young-at-heart, writing children's stories can be a very satisfying craft.

WikiHow

Their dynamic is the dynamic of countless families, exasperated, occasionally angry but always loving at heart.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She loved her adopted California, but always remained at heart a New Yorker in her taste and style.

The New York Times

This sort of object reflects the interest the museum has always had at heart: the interest in artistic process.

The Guardian - Books

Even with her tendency to use big words and big ideas, Willis always knew at heart that music was a gas, gas, gas.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always at heart" to describe someone's enduring passion, belief, or identity, especially when external circumstances suggest otherwise.

Common error

Avoid using "always at heart" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always at heart" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates a consistent and unchanging inner quality or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "always at heart" is a grammatically sound and meaningful phrase employed to convey a consistent and inherent quality or feeling. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While not overly formal, its usage is frequent enough to be understood and appropriate in many contexts, particularly in news and media. Consider "deep down" or "at my core" for similar expressions, but "always at heart" effectively captures the essence of an enduring characteristic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep down

Focuses on the internal and fundamental nature of a feeling or belief.

at my core

Emphasizes the most essential part of one's being.

fundamentally

Highlights the basic and essential nature of something.

in essence

Refers to the most important aspect or quality of something.

intrinsically

Points to a quality that belongs naturally to someone or something.

by nature

Indicates an inherent characteristic.

at bottom

Stresses the fundamental reality or truth.

at the root

Indicates the underlying cause or origin of something.

in reality

Highlights the true nature of something, often contrasting with appearances.

essentially

Focuses on the basic and most important elements.

FAQs

How can I use "always at heart" in a sentence?

You can use "always at heart" to express a deep, intrinsic feeling or characteristic. For example: "Even after achieving great success, he was "always at heart" a simple person."

What's a synonym for "always at heart"?

Alternatives include "deep down", "at my core", or "fundamentally", depending on the context.

Is "always at heart" formal or informal?

"Always at heart" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. For professional contexts, consider alternatives that provide greater precision.

What's the difference between "always at heart" and "still at heart"?

"Always at heart" suggests that a feeling or characteristic has been constant throughout someone's life, while "still at heart" implies that a feeling or characteristic remains even after a change in circumstances.