take heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to remain hopeful or to find courage in a difficult situation. Example: "Even though the project is challenging, take heart; we have the skills to overcome these obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So take heart.

The New York Times

Professional instructors, take heart.

The New York Times - Arts

Vegetarians, take heart.

The New York Times

Enviers, take heart.

The New York Times

But take heart.

The New York Times - Food

Mr Blair should take heart.

The Economist

But cheapskates can take heart.

The Economist

Women everywhere should take heart.

The New York Times

Take heart, Rand Richards Cooper.

The New York Times

"Take heart," he writes.

The New York Times

Apricot aficionados, take heart.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take heart", consider the audience and context. It's most effective when addressing someone facing a specific challenge or setback.

Common error

Avoid using "take heart" in highly formal or technical writing. While widely accepted, its idiomatic nature may be perceived as too informal in certain contexts. Opt for more direct expressions of encouragement when formality is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take heart" functions as an idiomatic expression, specifically an imperative verb phrase, used to offer encouragement or reassurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it urges the listener to regain or maintain courage in the face of adversity. The examples provided in Ludwig further illustrate its application in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take heart" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase offering encouragement and reassurance. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct, finds frequent application in News & Media contexts and functions as an imperative verb phrase. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings. Its alternatives include phrases like "be encouraged" and "remain hopeful". Remember to consider your audience and context to use the phrase most effectively and avoid inappropriate formality. It's a powerful tool for fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain hopeful

This encourages the continuation of hope, emphasizing the importance of not giving up.

be encouraged

This alternative offers a direct and simple way to convey encouragement, focusing on the recipient's emotional state.

find courage

This phrase emphasizes the act of discovering inner strength to face a challenge, shifting the focus to personal agency.

don't despair

This expression directly advises against losing hope, providing a clear and concise message of reassurance.

keep your chin up

This idiom offers an informal and optimistic message of resilience in the face of adversity.

draw strength

This suggests finding inner power to cope with hardship, shifting focus to inner resources.

look on the bright side

This suggests focusing on positive aspects of a situation to maintain hope, offering a cognitive reframing strategy.

have faith

This encourages trust in a positive outcome, particularly when facing uncertainty or difficulty.

be optimistic

This stresses the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even when facing challenges.

see the light

This idiom implies that things will improve or become clear eventually, offering a long-term perspective.

FAQs

How to use "take heart" in a sentence?

"Take heart" is typically used to encourage someone to remain hopeful during a difficult situation. For example: "Take heart, the situation is bound to improve soon."

What can I say instead of "take heart"?

You can use alternatives like "be encouraged", "find courage", or "remain hopeful" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take heart"?

It's appropriate to use "take heart" when you want to offer encouragement or reassurance to someone facing a challenge or setback. It is best used in neutral to informal settings.

Is "taken heart" a correct variation of "take heart"?

Yes, "taken heart" can be used, but in a different context. "Take heart" is an imperative, meaning it's a command or encouragement. "Taken heart" would be used as part of a larger sentence, such as "She has "taken heart" from his words."