by heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by heart' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically refers to the act of memorising something, often a speech or poem, so that it can be recalled without notes. For example, "She memorized the poem by heart, so she was able to recite it without looking at her notes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By heart!

The New York Times - Magazine

He knew it by heart".

The New Yorker

You know them by heart.

The New York Times

Etan knew it by heart.

The Economist

Everyone knows the script by heart.

The New Yorker

By heart, he meant the human spirit.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, she began learning poems by heart.

The New Yorker

He learned the whole thing by heart.

The New York Times

There are passages I know by heart.

The New Yorker

They know the references by heart".

The New York Times

I learn Bach by heart.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by heart" to emphasize complete memorization, particularly when referring to poems, speeches, or songs. It adds a touch of literary flair to your writing.

Common error

Be mindful not to confuse "by heart" with literal references to the organ; ensure the context clearly indicates memorization or deep understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by heart" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb, indicating the manner in which something is known or learned. Ludwig AI highlights this usage across numerous examples, demonstrating its role in specifying complete memorization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by heart" signifies knowing something so well that it can be recalled perfectly from memory. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is frequently used in News & Media and Academic contexts. To enhance your writing, remember to use "by heart" when you want to emphasize complete memorization, such as when describing learning a poem or speech. Be cautious of literal interpretations and ensure the context clearly indicates memorization. Related phrases like "memorized completely" or "know perfectly" can be used for variety. Avoiding literal interpretations helps maintain clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "by heart" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

memorized completely

Focuses on the action of memorization being fully completed.

know perfectly

Highlights the flawless knowledge one possesses.

committed to memory

Emphasizes the act of storing information in one's memory.

know inside out

Suggests a comprehensive and thorough understanding.

have at one's fingertips

Implies readily available knowledge, easily recalled.

know backwards and forwards

Indicates a very thorough and complete understanding.

know off pat

British English idiom indicating memorization without understanding.

learnt by rote

Focuses on the mechanical memorization process.

know word for word

Implies precise memorization of the exact words.

have a complete grasp of

Highlights a full and comprehensive understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "by heart" to describe something you've memorized perfectly, such as, "She knows the poem "by heart"." or "He learned the entire speech "by heart".".

What's a good alternative to saying "by heart"?

Alternatives include "memorized completely", "know perfectly", or "committed to memory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "learn by heart" or "memorize by heart"?

Both are correct. "Learn "by heart"" refers to the process of memorizing something, while "memorize "by heart"" emphasizes the act of committing something to memory.

What does it mean to know something "inside out" versus knowing it "by heart"?

Knowing something "inside out" implies a thorough understanding of all aspects, while knowing something ""by heart"" specifically means having memorized it perfectly. So, knowing something "inside out" is closer to knowing it "know perfectly".