loose heart

USAGE SUMMARY

'loose heart' is not technically correct in formal written English.
It may be acceptable in very informal or spoken English. If you wish to use it in writing, you would need to rephrase it. For example, "He felt his heart sink" or "He was overcome with grief".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Hangin' In and Hangin' On", the B-side to "Love on the Loose, Heart on the Run", was later released by David Ball as a single from his 1996 album Starlite Lounge.

Wikipedia

It produced the band's fourth and final Top 5 hit in the number 3 "Love on the Loose, Heart on the Run" (which Kostas also co-wrote ), as well as a Top 20 in its title track, the only other single release.

Wikipedia

These albums also produced several hits on the Billboard country charts, including the Top 5 hits "Sacred Ground" (their highest-peaking, at number 2), "Going Out of My Mind", "Just One Night" and "Love on the Loose, Heart on the Run".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The author doesn't soft-pedal her reaction: "My brother... will be a 'woman on the loose.' My heart stops.

The New York Times - Books

Thanks to screen adaptations, including the luscious 1996 TV outing with Alex Kingston, Moll is lodged in the public imagination as a good-time girl with a big heart, loose morals and a saucy wink as she picks a pocket or leads a punter up a dark alley.

The Guardian - Books

Factors associated with increased mortality include young age of the mothers and lack of proper education of the father, young age of the child, late hospitalization with cyanosis, altered sensorium, grunting, associated chest indrawing, hepatomegaly, acute malnutrition, inability to drink, associated loose stools or heart disease, anemia, rickets and lack of breastfeeding [ 9- 17].

BMC Pediatrics

The specter of unconventional weapons being loosed in the heart of the Arab world, he said, would upend his calculation that military intervention would only worsen the situation.

The New York Times

The Marches don't cavalierly end friendships, disown family members, or play fast and loose with the hearts of romantic partners.

Huffington Post

But when Beyoncé stepped on stage to join Channing for his "Run the World (Girls)" performance, let's just say all hell broke loose and our hearts stopped beating. .

Huffington Post

She said it "takes the themes of the song: taking charge, owning the floor and staying sexy and feminine throughout... ...... and "dresses 'em in tight little outfits and turns 'em loose to break hearts and dominate the opposite sex at will".

Wikipedia

Interdomain interaction of RyR2 becomes loose in failing hearts, resulting in SR Ca leak [ 17, 25].

Basic Research in Cardiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "loose heart" in formal writing. Opt for more standard idioms like "broken heart" or "heavy heart" to convey emotional distress or vulnerability.

Common error

A common mistake is using "loose" when "lose" is intended. "Loose" means not tightly fastened, while "lose" means to misplace or suffer a loss. Therefore, use phrases like "lose your heart" or "lose heart" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose heart" primarily functions as a noun phrase that attempts to describe a state of emotional vulnerability or lack of restraint. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is not grammatically correct in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "loose heart" might be understood in informal contexts to suggest emotional vulnerability or a lack of restraint, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's advisable to use more standard expressions like "broken heart" or "heavy heart" to convey the intended meaning. The phrase appears rarely, predominantly in news, wiki and scientific sources. Therefore, it's best to avoid using "loose heart" in formal writing and opt for grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broken heart

Refers specifically to emotional pain or grief caused by the end of a romantic relationship or other significant loss; more common and grammatically sound.

heavy heart

Suggests sadness or sorrow, often due to a burden or difficult situation; a more standard idiom.

roaming heart

Suggests infidelity or a tendency to fall in love easily, a specific interpretation not necessarily present in the original phrase.

unrestrained emotions

Focuses on the lack of control over feelings, whereas "loose heart" could imply moral laxity.

vulnerable emotions

Highlights a state of emotional openness and susceptibility to harm, emphasizing weakness.

carefree spirit

Implies a lack of concern or worry, differing from the potential negative connotations of "loose heart".

abandoned emotions

Suggests that emotions are let go or no longer cared for, this is a rarer and more specific emotional state.

unbound spirit

Emphasizes freedom and independence, shifting the focus from emotions to personal liberty.

unleashed passion

Highlights intense enthusiasm or desire, different from a general lack of emotional constraint.

wandering soul

Indicates a lack of direction or purpose in life, moving away from the emotional center.

FAQs

Is "loose heart" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "loose heart" is technically incorrect in formal written English and it's acceptable only in very informal or spoken English.

What can I say instead of "loose heart"?

You can use alternatives like "broken heart", "heavy heart", or "vulnerable emotions" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "loose heart" or "lose heart"?

"Lose heart" is the correct idiom, meaning to become discouraged or lose enthusiasm. "Loose heart" is not a standard expression and is grammatically questionable.

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

Example: "Despite the setbacks, don't "lose heart"; keep pursuing your goals."