heavy heart

USAGE SUMMARY

"heavy heart" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express sadness or regret, as in "I bid farewell to my friends with a heavy heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"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

This is a city with a heavy heart this morning".

Independent

Sadly, and with heavy heart, I note your passing.

The New York Times

He described his "heavy heart" and "an injustice without equal".

The New York Times

So with a heavy heart, the purse hunt has commenced.

Independent

"I'm swimming with a heavy heart now," she said.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

"He had a very heavy heart," Mr. Finn said.

The New York Times

I now leave Yemen with a heavy heart.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heavy heart" to express genuine sadness or regret, particularly when conveying empathy or sympathy in writing.

Common error

While "heavy heart" is a common phrase, avoid overuse in close proximity. Vary your language to keep the writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy heart" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the manner in which an action is performed, indicating sadness or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy heart" is a common and grammatically sound way to express feelings of sadness or regret, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe the emotional state accompanying an action. Primarily found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various situations, from formal statements to personal narratives. While it is an acceptable phrase to use, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "sorrowful spirit" or "grieved soul" to maintain freshness in writing. Ludwig provides ample examples that illustrate its versatile application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heart filled with sorrow

More descriptive and emphasizes the emotion.

weighed down by sadness

Focuses on the feeling of being burdened by sorrow.

sorrowful spirit

Emphasizes the emotional and spiritual aspect of sadness.

oppressed by grief

Highlights the overwhelming nature of grief.

grieved soul

Focuses on the deep emotional pain and suffering.

aching spirit

Emphasizes the persistent and intense pain.

burdened mind

Highlights the mental and emotional weight.

despondent mood

Refers to a state of low spirits and hopelessness.

melancholy state

Implies a thoughtful sadness and introspection.

crestfallen attitude

Describes a state of disappointment and dejection.

FAQs

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

You can use "heavy heart" to express sadness or regret. For example, "I said goodbye with a "heavy heart"" or "He accepted the decision with a "heavy heart"".

What phrases are similar to "heavy heart"?

Similar phrases include "sorrowful spirit", "grieved soul", and "weighed down by sadness".

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

Yes, "heavy heart" is generally appropriate for formal writing when expressing genuine emotion or empathy. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the context.

What is the origin of the expression "heavy heart"?

The expression "heavy heart" dates back centuries and is used to describe the physical sensation of emotional pain and sorrow, suggesting the weight of sadness bearing down on one's spirit.