in its heart

USAGE SUMMARY

"in its heart" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the true essence or core of something, or to describe a feeling or belief that is deeply held. Example: "In its heart, the company was committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact." "In its heart, the novel explored themes of love and loss." "The city may have a bustling exterior, but in its heart, it remains a quaint and charming place." Note: This phrase can also be written as "at its heart" and the meaning remains the same.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

With all the passion in its heart it believes contrary things: it is equally overawed by science and by magic.

The Guardian - Books

Deep in its heart, it disdains the short story, which makes do with so little.

The New York Times - Books

"The real strength is not in the arms of the guard, but that in its heart, it is Hungarian," he said.

The New York Times

It is, in its heart, an incredibly stupid television programme.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or maybe it contained in its heart an imbalance or an infection, as happens to some of us.

The New Yorker

He adds, darkly, that "as it kept growing, it never stopped carrying in its heart a bitter-cold death wish for the planet".

The New York Times - Books

While the rest of the country tried to clear the snow from the streets, the Labour tribe was discovering whether it had ice in its heart.

The Guardian

It did it because the startup was mobile in its heart.

TechCrunch

And in its heart, the nation knows it.

The New York Times

But I think in its heart and its soul, it is still like that".

The New Yorker

Let's please pound a stake in its heart to make sure it's dead.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more formal tone, consider replacing “in its heart” with alternatives such as “at its core” or “in its essence”.

Common error

Avoid using "in its heart" to describe a literal physical location within an object. The phrase is primarily metaphorical and relates to feelings or core values, not physical positioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its heart" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the deep-seated essence, core values, or fundamental nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in its heart" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the core values, true feelings, or essential nature of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a prepositional phrase, adding depth and meaning to descriptions. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it can be employed across different writing styles. When using this phrase, it's important to focus on its metaphorical meaning rather than literal physical positioning. Consider alternatives such as "at its core" or "in its essence" to adjust the tone as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its core

Focuses on the fundamental essence or most important aspect of something.

in its essence

Emphasizes the intrinsic nature or defining quality of something.

at its root

Highlights the origin or fundamental cause of something.

deep down

Refers to someone's true feelings or beliefs, often hidden or unexpressed.

in its soul

Implies the deepest, most fundamental part of something, often with a spiritual connotation.

in its spirit

Conveys the underlying attitude or intention behind something.

in its inner being

Highlights the internal and fundamental nature of something, often related to personal character.

fundamentally

Focuses on the essential and foundational aspects.

at bottom

Emphasizes the true cause or explanation of something.

in truth

Highlights the genuine or actual state of affairs.

FAQs

What does "in its heart" mean?

The phrase "in its heart" refers to the core values, true feelings, or fundamental nature of something. It's often used metaphorically to describe the essence of an entity or concept.

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

You can use "in its heart" to describe the deep-seated beliefs or values of an organization, idea, or even a place. For example, "In its heart, the company values sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "in its heart"?

Alternatives to "in its heart" include "at its core", "in its essence", or "at its root". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in its heart" the same as "at its heart"?

The phrases "in its heart" and "at its heart" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. Both refer to the core or essence of something.