learn by heart

USAGE SUMMARY

"learn by heart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to memorizing something. For example: "I'm trying to learn the lyrics to this song by heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

FORGET-ME-NOTS Poems to Learn by Heart.

The New York Times - Books

But how much Stockhausen or Boulez could you confidently learn by heart?

Independent

Whithorn, population 700, was a place easy to learn by heart.

The New Yorker

We're hoping to build a cheat sheet on how to prepare for India, which we'll make you learn by heart.

The New York Times

It may have been a text at Kesteven and Grantham girls' grammar school to learn by heart and perform.

The Guardian

Shadow ministers will soon learn by heart a key Cruddas mantra: that policy is not about lists.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Her poems are accessible and often learned by heart.

The Guardian - Books

Learning by heart continues to thrive in many cultures.

Independent

The key words are learning by heart, not learning by head.

The Guardian

A poem learned by heart has a different working than one read and forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

Poems were learned by heart and recited to the class, in a rhythmic sing-song manner.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize deep, internalized knowledge, "learn by heart" is more evocative than simply saying "memorize."

Common error

While "learn by heart" implies thorough memorization, ensure you also grasp the underlying concepts. Simply reciting information without understanding its meaning can be ineffective in the long run.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learn by heart" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of committing something to memory. It is used to describe the process of memorizing information thoroughly, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "learn by heart" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that denotes the act of memorizing something thoroughly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "memorize" or "commit to memory" exist, "learn by heart" often implies a deeper, more internalized understanding. When using the phrase, ensure you not only memorize but also comprehend the underlying concepts for effective and meaningful retention. Common pitfalls include rote learning without understanding, which can limit the application of the memorized information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

memorize

Single word with the same core meaning, more concise.

commit to memory

Formal alternative that emphasizes the act of intentionally storing something in memory.

get off by heart

British English alternative, uses different preposition.

master

Emphasizes achieving a high level of proficiency through memorization.

know by rote

Highlights the mechanical aspect of memorization, without necessarily understanding.

retain in memory

Focuses on the ability to keep something in one's memory.

fix in the mind

Emphasizes the effort of making something memorable.

learn by rote

Focuses more on the repetition aspect of memorization.

imprint on one's mind

Suggests a lasting and impactful memorization.

get word-perfect

Focuses on learning something exactly as it is written or spoken, without error.

FAQs

How can I use "learn by heart" in a sentence?

You can use "learn by heart" to describe the act of memorizing something thoroughly, such as "The students were required to learn the poem by heart."

What's the difference between "learn by heart" and "memorize"?

"Learn by heart" often implies a deeper, more internalized understanding and retention than simply "memorizing" something.

What are some alternatives to "learn by heart"?

Alternatives to "learn by heart" include "commit to memory", "know by rote" (if emphasizing repetition), or simply "memorize".

Is it better to "learn by heart" or simply understand a concept?

Ideally, combine both. "Learn by heart" is effective for retaining specific details, while understanding allows you to apply knowledge in different contexts. Some suggest combining the two by learning "committing material to memory" and regularly recalling that material from memory at increasing intervals.