Have your heart set on something means wanting one particular thing very much: Lena has her heart set on studying marine biology. Other options no longer appeal, and if it doesn't work out, it will hurt. It's stronger than want: it's about a dream you're already counting on.
When would you say have your heart set on something?
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have + possessive + heart set on + noun or -ing form
- Lena has her heart set on studying marine biology.
- We had our hearts set on the small house beside the river.
- He has his heart set on that old bicycle, even though several newer ones are available.
What changed
First versionShe has her heart set on to join the orchestra.
RevisionShe has her heart set on joining the orchestra.
You want to join or plan to join, so to join feels natural after a wish. But on is a preposition, and after a preposition the verb takes -ing: set on joining. Replace to join with joining, and the sentence is correct.
Want is simply wanting, with no special attachment. Have your heart set on means wanting only this: He has his heart set on that old bicycle, even though newer ones are available. Look forward to means happily waiting for something that will definitely happen.
Your turn
Choose the form after on: I have my heart set on ___ the summer course.
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taking — On is a preposition, so the -ing form follows: taking. To take can't come after on.
Describe something a person close to you dreams of: a trip, a career, a purchase. Use has their heart set on and an -ing verb.
My cousin has her heart set on restoring the family boat before summer.
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