French Phrase
Engage-toi pour une cause qui te tient à cœur.
Meaning
This sentence encourages someone to get involved in a cause that is personally important to them. It combines an informal imperative with an idiomatic expression that conveys emotional attachment.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to motivate a friend, a peer, or a younger person to take action for something they care deeply about—whether it’s environmental protection, social justice, or a local community project.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Engage-toipourunecausequitetientàcœur
Imperative reflexive (s'engager)
The verb *s'engager* is used reflexively; in the informal singular imperative the reflexive pronoun follows the verb and is attached with a hyphen: *Engage‑toi*.
Preposition *pour*
*Pour* introduces the purpose or goal of the action, here the cause you support.
Indefinite article *une*
Because the cause is not specified, the feminine indefinite article *une* is used with *cause*.
Relative clause *qui te tient à cœur*
The relative pronoun *qui* refers to *cause*; *tenir à* means ‘to be dear to’, and the idiom *à cœur* follows it.
Pronoun *te*
*Te* is the direct object pronoun referring to the listener, placed before the verb in the relative clause.
🗨In Conversation
J’ai entendu parler d’une association qui aide les sans‑abri.
I heard about an association that helps the homeless.
Engage‑toi pour une cause qui te tient à cœur !
Get involved in a cause that is close to your heart!
✕Common Mistakes
Engage‑vous pour une cause qui te tient à cœur.
Use *Engage‑toi* for informal singular; *Engage‑vous* is formal or plural.
Engage‑toi pour une cause qui te tient **au** cœur.
The idiom is *tenir à cœur*, not *au cœur*.
Engage toi pour une cause qui te tient à cœur.
The reflexive pronoun must be hyphenated in the imperative.
Engage‑toi pour une cause qui te tient **le** cœur.
The correct construction is *tenir à cœur*, not *tenir le cœur*.
↔Alternatives
Implique‑toi dans une cause qui te passionne.
Get involved in a cause that excites you.
Mets‑toi au service d’une cause qui te touche.
Put yourself at the service of a cause that moves you.
Défends une cause qui te tient à cœur.
Defend a cause that is dear to you.
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking societies, personal commitment to a cause is often expressed with the idiom *tenir à cœur*. The imperative *Engage‑toi* is informal; in a formal or plural context you would say *Engagez‑vous*. Using this phrase shows genuine enthusiasm and is well‑received in activist circles, volunteer groups, and among friends discussing social issues.