held so dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held so dear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong emotional attachment or affection towards someone or something. Example: "The memories of our childhood are held so dear in my heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Objects that I had held so dear I now saw as just objects.

The New York Times

They were the foundation of the enlightenment values he held so dear.

Princeton University

The glory of this world fades quickly, but that Glory is eternal: No lesson learned at Princeton ought to be held so dear.

Princeton University

Sometimes, though rarely, deflation is a more serious threat, and we need to shelve many of the orthodoxies we have held so dear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Daily Life's Clementine Ford described Abbott as "a man with an outlook so conservative it could only have been spawned from the Catholicism he held so dear".

The Guardian - Opinion

I keep waiting for it to become comically dated, for my adult self to laugh wryly at what I once held so dear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It's simply a judgment about clarity and accuracy, which readers hold so dear.

The New York Times

I am sorry the field mice are so frightened of losing what they hold so dear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where are the stringent health and safety rules that the BBC holds so dear when they are actually needed?

Independent

Workers in China's export heartland of Guangdong make $200 a month assembling the consumer goods Americans hold so dear.

The New York Times

Ashamed that America no longer represents the ideals those soldiers hold so dear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held so dear" to convey a strong sense of personal value or affection for something, suggesting a deep emotional connection and importance. This phrase is particularly effective when describing memories, traditions, or principles that are integral to one's identity or well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "held so dear" in overly formal or technical writing. While grammatically correct, its sentimental tone might not be appropriate for professional or academic papers where objectivity is paramount. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "highly valued" or "greatly respected" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held so dear" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to emphasize the deep emotional attachment or value associated with it. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held so dear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that conveys deep personal value and emotional attachment. As verified by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in academic and formal contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in strictly technical or overly formal writing where its sentimental tone might be inappropriate. Alternatives such as "deeply cherished" or "highly valued" can provide a similar meaning with a more neutral tone. Remember to use "held so dear" to emphasize the personal significance of memories, traditions, or principles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply cherished

Focuses more on the act of cherishing rather than the state of being dear.

highly valued

Emphasizes the value placed on something, often in a more formal context.

greatly treasured

Highlights the act of treasuring and preserving something considered precious.

dearly loved

Specifically indicates affection and love, making it suitable for relationships or sentimental items.

fondly remembered

Emphasizes the positive memories associated with something or someone.

preciously guarded

Implies active protection and safeguarding of something considered valuable.

close to one's heart

Indicates a personal and emotional connection, often used for values or beliefs.

highly esteemed

Suggests a formal respect and admiration for something or someone.

intensely appreciated

Highlights the strong sense of gratitude and acknowledgment.

greatly admired

Focuses on the feeling of admiration and respect.

FAQs

How can I use "held so dear" in a sentence?

The phrase "held so dear" is used to describe something that is deeply cherished or valued. For example, "The principles my grandfather taught me are ideals I've "held so dear" throughout my life."

What are some alternatives to "held so dear"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply cherished", "highly valued", or "greatly treasured" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "hold so dear" instead of "held so dear"?

While "hold so dear" can be grammatically correct, it's typically used in a present tense context, such as "These are the values we "hold so dear"." "Held so dear" is used in the past tense to describe something that was cherished.

What's the difference between "held so dear" and "dearly loved"?

"Held so dear" typically refers to principles, memories, or objects that are deeply valued and cherished. "Dearly loved" specifically implies a strong affection or love for a person or thing. While there can be overlap, "dearly loved" focuses more on emotional attachment than inherent value.