she can put her heart/mind on studying.

Carries's mother waits on her hand and foot, so that she can put her heart/mind on studying.

Do both heart and mind fit in the above and mean about the same? Thanks.

Grammar Geek wrote:

No. If your heart is in something, it means you have a strong belief and desire for it. I wouldn't be able to practice the bassoon four hours a day if my heart weren't in it. If you set your mind to something, it means your are are determined to do it. Once you set your mind to it, I'm sure you'll succeed. Neither really works for your sentence. Try: ... so she can focus completely on her studies. (Your "waits on her hand and foot" is a good use of the idiom though!)

Thanks, GG.

Do the following sound good?

Carries's mother waits on her hand and foot, so that she can set/put her heart in studying.

Carries's mother waits on her hand and foot, so that she can set/put her mind to studying.

Grammar Geek wrote:

No, like I said, they don't really mean that. Your heart is in something - you don't have to set or put it there. And it's a matter of internal motivation, not whether you have time. Don't use the heart one at all. I suppose you can use "set her mind to studying" is okay. I do prefer my prior suggestion: focue completely on her studies.

Thanks, GG.

Got it.