conquer the heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conquer the heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe winning someone's affections, or forging a strong emotional connection. For example, "Through his kindness, he managed to conquer the heart of his beloved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As he grew older, Rossini became increasingly pessimistic about the future of music, and in 1852 he wrote: "The head will conquer the heart: science will lead to the ruin of the arts; and under a deluge of notes, what is called instrumental music will be the tomb of the voice and of feeling".He was wrong about himself, though.

The Economist

Eventually they conquer the heart of the chosen cartoon boy.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I had to leave my indigent family, travel to Albania, learn how to conquer the hearts of my people, Muslims distrustful of a Roman Catholic and a Hungarian, and I did it!

The New York Times - Magazine

Only Sky City can conquer the hearts and minds of this turbulent era.

BBC

I want to re-conquer the heart of America in a lasting fashion," he said.

The Washington Post

"I've come to Washington to bear a very simple, straightforward message... I wish to re-conquer the heart of America.

The Washington Post

Now, he says, "Yushchenko's ideas are conquering the heart of Sebastopol"; it's just that the old, corrupt patronage networks take time to dismantle.

The Economist

[Trijatā] conquered the heart of those poets, and through them, the heart of all those who become acquainted with the Rāma-story.

Wikipedia

They came, they saw and they conquered the hearts of the notoriously discerning audiences of New York.

The Guardian

President Shimon Peres said that while the Israeli military "conquered enemy positions, she conquered the hearts of the soldiers".

The New York Times - Arts

"The book that conquered the hearts of millions on Earth is now conquering space," said the official daily Neitralnyi Turkmenistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conquer the heart", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It can imply a forceful or strategic approach to winning affection, so ensure it aligns with the context.

Common error

Avoid using "conquer the heart" in contexts where a more gentle or reciprocal term like "win over" or "earn the affection of" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound aggressive or manipulative when a softer approach is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conquer the heart" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "conquer" acts as a transitive verb taking "the heart" as its direct object. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The phrase suggests an action aimed at winning affection or admiration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conquer the heart" is grammatically correct and functions as a verb phrase aimed at expressing the action of winning someone's affection or admiration. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its use is relatively uncommon. Its neutral register makes it suitable for general contexts, although its slightly dramatic tone suggests it's better suited for descriptive or narrative writing. Related phrases include "win someone's affection" and "capture someone's heart". When employing the phrase, it's wise to consider the specific nuance and avoid overuse in overly literal or gentle contexts to maintain the desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

win someone's affection

Focuses specifically on gaining someone's love or fondness.

capture someone's heart

Emphasizes the act of seizing or captivating someone's emotions.

gain someone's admiration

Highlights earning respect and high regard from someone.

earn someone's love

Implies receiving affection as a result of one's actions or qualities.

charm someone

Suggests using personal appeal to win someone over.

captivate someone

Focuses on holding someone's attention and interest, often through charm or skill.

endear oneself to someone

Highlights the act of making oneself beloved or liked.

ingratiate oneself with someone

Implies actively seeking to gain someone's favor.

win someone over

Suggests persuading someone to agree with or support you.

influence someone's feelings

Broadly covers affecting someone's emotions or sentiments.

FAQs

What does it mean to "conquer the heart"?

To "conquer the heart" means to win someone's affection, admiration, or loyalty, often through charm, skill, or persistent effort. It implies successfully gaining a deep emotional connection with someone.

How can I use "conquer the heart" in a sentence?

You might say, "The charismatic leader hoped to "conquer the heart" of the nation with his inspiring speeches", or "The musician's beautiful melody helped him to "conquer the heart" of his audience".

What can I say instead of "conquer the heart"?

You can use alternatives like "win someone's affection", "capture someone's heart", or "gain someone's admiration" depending on the context.

Is "conquer the heart" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "conquer the heart" can sound somewhat dramatic or forceful. In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "earn someone's respect" or "gain someone's trust", which may be more suitable depending on the context.