took heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone found courage or confidence in a difficult situation. Example: "After hearing the encouraging news, she took heart and decided to pursue her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The market took heart.

The Economist

The middle classes took heart.

The Guardian

took heart and stayed 'above ground.

The New York Times

Still, I took heart from one thing.

The Guardian - Books

Rabbi Bennett took heart from the note.

The New Yorker

Galeano took heart from the demonstrations.

The Guardian - Books

Other experienced observers took heart from the outcome.

The Economist

Investors also took heart from comments from UBS executives.

The New York Times

Still, many economists took heart at the recent down trend.

The New York Times

Those who have been agitating for wholesale revolution took heart.

The New York Times

FINANCIAL MARKETS  Some Asian markets took heart from hopes of tax cuts in Japan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took heart" to succinctly describe how someone found renewed courage or optimism in response to a specific event or situation. It's effective for showing resilience or a positive reaction amidst challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "took heart" when the situation requires a stronger expression of triumph or success. It's best suited for moments of renewed hope rather than outright victory. For instance, don't say "He took heart after winning the championship"; instead, use "He celebrated his victory".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took heart" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone gained courage or optimism in a particular situation. Ludwig examples show it used to describe reactions to news, events, or observations that inspire hope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took heart" is a common and grammatically correct expression signifying renewed courage or optimism in the face of adversity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across diverse contexts, most frequently in news and media. While maintaining a neutral register, it is suitable for describing positive emotional shifts. Alternatives like "gained confidence" or "felt encouraged" can provide subtle differences in meaning. Use "took heart" when aiming to convey how someone finds renewed resolve amidst challenging circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regained hope

Highlights the restoration of optimism, particularly after a period of despair.

gained confidence

Focuses on the increase in self-assuredness, shifting from emotional response to a state of mind.

became optimistic

Focuses on the development of a positive outlook, shifting from an immediate reaction to a mindset.

drew encouragement

Highlights the act of actively extracting support from a situation or person.

felt reassured

Emphasizes the alleviation of doubt or fear, implying an initial state of anxiety.

felt encouraged

Emphasizes the external influence providing support, differing from an internal resilience.

lifted spirits

Highlights raising the overall mood, often in a group setting. "Took heart" generally describes an individual's reaction.

found solace

Suggests seeking comfort in a difficult time, implying a need for emotional relief.

brightened up

Similar to "perked up", but focuses on a visible improvement in mood or disposition.

perked up

Implies a sudden lift in spirits or energy, offering a more casual tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "took heart" to show that someone gained courage or optimism, for example, "After hearing the good news, she "took heart" and continued her efforts".

What's a simple way to explain "took heart"?

"Took heart" means to find encouragement or to become more hopeful, often in a challenging situation. It suggests a renewed sense of courage or optimism.

Are there any formal alternatives to "took heart"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "gained confidence", "found reassurance", or "regained hope" instead of ""took heart"".

How does ""took heart"" differ from "became encouraged"?

"Took heart" emphasizes an internal response of finding courage, while "became encouraged" suggests an external influence that provided the support. Though similar, "took heart" focuses more on the individual's resilience.