keep at the heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep at the heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of something or to indicate that something is central to a particular idea or concept. Example: "We must keep at the heart of our mission the values of integrity and transparency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The keep at the heart of the fortification is a formidable emblem of power and authority but the rebels, enraged by their serfdom and the imposition of taxes for foreign wars, were able to force their way in and made off with all the weapons they could find.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This has been kept at the heart of our work and we've received overwhelmingly positive feedback from a range of people across the system.

The Guardian

It demands that any redactions must be fully explained, and that the applicant's needs are kept at the heart of the request – starting with a phone call to talk through their background.

The Guardian

He is well known to staff at all levels and fosters in them a strong commitment to the university's mission and to its business-engagement agenda, where students are kept at the heart of the institution, where the skills base of the local economy is fuelled by the university, and where the university is recognised as being a source of innovation and applied research.

The Guardian

The arm cuff was kept at the heart level during every BP measurement.

Advances in Therapy

The cuff will be kept at the heart level, and the arm will be supported at the time of the measurement.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

David Cameron knows he has to fight heart and soul to keep Britain at the heart of this network.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if we choose to do so, it will keep Britain at the heart of reforming the European project so that the nations of Europe are together better equipped to face them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only his calls for growth over austerity seem to place him outside the mood of his party, if not the country.On immigration, although the rapid shift in Republican thinking has recently forced Mr Bush into an ungainly flip-flop, his personal and political credibility on the issue should keep him at the heart of the debate.

The Economist

The impassioned appeals of India and others to keep fairness at the heart of the new regime are not reflected in the text of the final agreement, which makes no distinction between the relative effort required by large and small historic and per-capita polluters, or between the richest countries and those where millions of people still live in poverty and hunger.

The Guardian

This is the time for the progressive centre-left to make common cause: we need a new politics led by a dynamic, outward-facing Labour party that eschews narrow tribalism and restores trust in politics, holds our United Kingdom together as a vibrant federal polity, builds a dynamic economy with more decent, well-paid jobs throughout the country, and ensures we keep Britain at the heart of Europe.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep at the heart", ensure that the subject you are referencing truly is essential to the core of the idea or organization you are describing. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "keep at the heart" when a less emphatic phrase would suffice. It's best reserved for elements that are genuinely fundamental, not merely important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep at the heart" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to emphasize the central importance of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is correctly used in English writing to indicate that something is a core aspect or principle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep at the heart" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon prepositional phrase used to emphasize the core importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in science and academic writing. While alternatives like "retain as central" or "maintain at the core" exist, "keep at the heart" carries a strong connotation of safeguarding something fundamental. When using it, ensure it genuinely represents a core element to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain as central

Changes the verb to 'retain' and emphasizes the centrality of the element.

maintain at the core

Uses 'maintain' and 'core' to convey a similar meaning with slightly different imagery.

preserve as essential

Emphasizes preservation and the essential nature of the element.

hold as fundamental

Highlights the fundamental importance of the element.

cherish as vital

Adds an element of emotional value to the importance.

value above all else

Shifts the focus to prioritizing the element.

prioritize as paramount

Emphasizes prioritization and the paramount importance of the element.

emphasize as crucial

Focuses on emphasizing the crucial aspect of something.

focus intently upon

Highlights concentrated attention and focus.

consider of utmost importance

Explicitly states that something is considered of the utmost importance.

FAQs

How can I use "keep at the heart" in a sentence?

You can use "keep at the heart" to emphasize the importance of a principle, value, or idea. For example, "We must "keep at the heart" of our mission the values of integrity and transparency."

What can I say instead of "keep at the heart"?

You can use alternatives like "retain as central", "maintain at the core", or "preserve as essential" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "keep at the heart" or "remain central to"?

"Keep at the heart" and "remain central to" are both grammatically correct, but ""keep at the heart"" has a stronger sense of protecting something fundamental, while "remain central to" simply indicates continuing importance.

What does it mean to "keep something at the heart" of an organization?

To "keep something at the heart" of an organization means to ensure that a particular value, principle, or goal remains the central focus and guiding force behind all its actions and decisions.