with a heart of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a heart of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who possesses a particular quality or characteristic, typically one that is positive or admirable. Example: "She is a teacher with a heart of gold, always going the extra mile for her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A man with a heart of gold.

The New York Times

Rust is a heretic with a heart of gold.

The New Yorker

He was a class act with a heart of gold.

The New York Times

Rafe is the bad boy with a heart of gold.

The New York Times - Books

FERKAUF--Eugene, a visionary with a heart of gold.

The New York Times

Forrest is the ferocious Confederate with a heart of cheap gold.

The New York Times - Books

I will always miss my beloved sisterin-law, Ruth, a woman with a heart of gold.

The New York Times

Trevor Bailey, who is 46 ("but with a heart of 26"), is a pragmatist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ms. Kohl manages the whore-with-a-heart-of-gold role sweetly, if not with conspicuous originality.

The New York Times

Are you a fan of Cameron Crowe's decision to name Almost Famous' groupie-with-a-heart-of-gold "Penny Lane"?

Vice

What on God's green Earth is she doing at all of these hooker-with-a-heart-of-green press conferences?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific emotional nuance you wish to convey. "With a heart of gold" suggests pure kindness, while "with a heart of stone" implies coldness and lack of empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "with a heart of" in overly predictable or clichéd situations, such as describing a 'hooker with a heart of gold' or a 'tough guy with a heart of gold'. Opt for fresh and original descriptions to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a heart of" functions primarily as a prepositional modifier, adding descriptive detail to a noun or pronoun. It specifies a characteristic or quality associated with the subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is typically used to describe someone who possesses a positive or admirable trait.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a heart of" is a versatile and widely used prepositional phrase that serves to describe the qualities of a person or thing. According to Ludwig AI, it is deemed grammatically correct. It most frequently appears in "News & Media", reflecting its use in characterizing people and situations. While generally neutral, the specific tone depends on the word that follows "heart of", such as "gold" for kindness or "stone" for coldness. When writing, avoid overusing it in clichéd contexts and consider more original ways to express the intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a kind soul

Focuses on the inner kindness and compassion a person possesses, rather than just the emotional center.

possessing a generous spirit

Highlights the charitable and giving nature of an individual.

endowed with compassion

Emphasizes the inherent quality of being empathetic and caring.

filled with empathy

Stresses the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

of a benevolent nature

Indicates a disposition towards kindness and doing good.

having a charitable disposition

Highlights a tendency to be generous and helpful to those in need.

characterized by altruism

Focuses on selfless concern for the well-being of others.

known for benevolence

Highlights reputation of being kindly and generous.

displaying great humanity

Shows one's compassion and empathy towards their kind.

embodying kindness

Means being the representation or the symbol of kindness.

FAQs

How can I use "with a heart of" in a sentence?

The phrase "with a heart of" is used to describe someone's character or nature, typically emphasizing a particular quality. For example, "She's a teacher "with a heart of gold"" indicates the teacher is very kind and caring.

What does it mean when someone is described as having "a heart of gold"?

To say someone has "a heart of gold" means they are exceptionally kind, generous, and compassionate. It's a way of expressing that they're genuinely good-hearted.

Which is correct, "with a heart of gold" or "with an heart of gold"?

"With a heart of gold" is correct. The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds. "Heart" begins with a consonant sound, so "a" is the appropriate article.

What can I say instead of "with a heart of gold"?

You can use alternatives like "kind-hearted", "compassionate", or "generous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.