heed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "heed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to pay attention to or take notice of something. For example: "I heeded the warnings and took precautions before going outside in the snowstorm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We know only the most progressive companies heed voluntary measures," she added.

The Guardian

But few of the revellers pouring into the newly reopened venue seemed to notice the order, and those who did paid it no heed.

The Guardian

Yet nothing contributed more to the division, mistrust and implosion of our society in the north than Sinn Fein and the IRA's refusal to heed the cries of the people of Ireland to cease their violence.

The Guardian

Those seeking to sacrifice the NHS at the altar of the free market, take heed.

The Guardian

Congress should not pay so much heed to the circus barkers.

The Guardian

Docherty has been aware of the warning signs for years but few others, it seems, have paid heed.

The Guardian

Top Communist party officials have put their full weight behind the proposal for committee-vetted candidates, and have shown no sign that they'll be willing to heed protesters' demands.

The Guardian

Tran and Vu offer some useful advice that Gourmet should heed: "Put less filling on the rice paper than you think you'll need".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Asked about UK Labour leadership candidate Andy Burnham's warning on Tuesday that the party should heed the lessons of the independence referendum and campaign separately from the Tories on Europe, Macintosh said: "I think that's the wrong lesson.

The Guardian

Of veterans contemplating pursuing higher education, Petraues asks one thing: to do your due diligence and to heed the simple advice of "buyer beware" when choosing their school.

The Guardian - Money

"The most remarkable thing about the events of the past week is that they were utterly and completely avoidable, but Senator McConnell failed to heed the many warning signs that flashed bigger and brighter than the marquees on the Vegas strip," Jentleson said in an email.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heed" when you want to emphasize the importance of considering advice or warnings, particularly when there might be negative consequences for ignoring them.

Common error

Avoid using "heed" in situations where simple attention or awareness is sufficient. "Heed" implies a deeper level of consideration, often due to a potential risk or important opportunity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "heed" is as a verb, indicating the action of paying attention to or taking notice of something. It can also function as a noun, referring to careful attention. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Heed" is a versatile verb and noun signifying attention and consideration, particularly in response to advice or warnings. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It's frequently used in news and formal business settings to emphasize the importance of considering potential consequences. While generally neutral, its usage can lean towards formal depending on the situation. Related phrases include ""take notice of"" and ""pay attention to"". A key writing tip is to reserve "heed" for situations where careful consideration is paramount due to potential risks or opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take notice of

Focuses on becoming aware, often implying subsequent action.

pay attention to

Emphasizes active listening and observation.

listen to

Specifically refers to auditory attention and following advice.

take into account

Highlights considering something before making a decision.

follow

Suggests adherence to guidance or instructions.

bear in mind

Implies remembering and considering something important.

obey

Implies compliance with rules or commands.

be mindful of

Stresses awareness and careful consideration.

mind

A more direct and sometimes forceful way of saying to pay attention.

give credence to

Suggests accepting something as true or reliable.

FAQs

How to use "heed" in a sentence?

You can use "heed" in a sentence to mean paying attention to advice or a warning. For example, "You should "pay attention to" the weather forecast and "take notice of" any warnings."

What can I say instead of "heed"?

You can use alternatives like ""take notice of"", ""pay attention to"", or "bear in mind" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "heed" or "heard"?

"Heed" means to pay attention, while "heard" is the past tense of "hear", meaning to perceive sound. The correct word depends on the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "heed" and "ignore"?

"Heed" means to pay attention to and follow advice, while "ignore" means to deliberately pay no attention and disregard. They are antonyms.