Call to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Call to mind" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to prompt someone to remember or think of something. For example, "The story calls to mind my childhood memories." Alternative expressions include "bring to mind" and "remind of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Call to mind the fiasco resulting from your last attempt at being intimate with a partner d.

Independent

Call to mind Sister Maya Angelou's words: Still you rise.

Huffington Post

You will call to mind the text.

The Guardian - Music

An extraordinary event can call to mind ordinary times.

The New Yorker

Many objects here call to mind works by other artists.

The New York Times

China's actions call to mind similar claims to islands in the South China Sea.

The Economist

His sentences call to mind the late work of V. S. Naipaul: comfortable, unforced, conversational, unafraid.

The New York Times - Books

His compact, intensely worked drawings of room interiors and landscapes call to mind van Gogh's.

The New York Times - Arts

When I call to mind that bench, I can even feel the sun on my belly.

The New York Times

They call to mind Philip Guston's late, cartoon phase but have a more cheerful mood.

The New York Times - Arts

For some observers, the trendier polishes can also call to mind pea soup, algae and ectoplasm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Call to mind" when you want to encourage your reader to actively remember something relevant to your current discussion. It’s especially effective when you want to evoke a specific shared knowledge or experience.

Common error

Instead of saying "It is called to mind that...", use the active form: "We must call to mind..." This strengthens the sentence and emphasizes the act of remembering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Call to mind" functions as a verb phrase that prompts the act of remembering or recalling something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. It's typically used to encourage reflection or to make a connection between a past event or idea and the present context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Call to mind" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to prompt remembrance or reflection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, with usage ranging from neutral to professional registers. While the phrase enjoys widespread use, writers should be mindful of choosing active voice constructions for clarity. Related phrases like "bring to mind" and "remember" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, allowing for stylistic variation. Understanding these nuances can help enhance your writing and more effectively evoke the intended memories or associations in your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bring to mind

Uses "bring" instead of "call", offering a slightly different nuance but retaining the core meaning of evoking a memory.

Remember

A simple and direct alternative, focusing on the act of recalling something from the past.

Evoke

A more concise option that focuses on the act of summoning a feeling, memory, or image.

Recollect

A more formal synonym for "remember", often used in writing.

Think back to

Emphasizes the act of consciously directing one's thoughts to a past event or time.

Conjure up

Suggests a more imaginative or vivid act of bringing something to mind.

Reminisce about

Specifically refers to remembering and talking about past experiences, adding a reflective aspect.

Reflect on

Implies a deeper contemplation of past events or experiences.

Flashback to

Specifically refers to a sudden and vivid memory of a past event.

Bear in mind

Indicates remembering something for future consideration or action. It implies the need to remember information when making decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "Call to mind" in a sentence?

You can use "Call to mind" to prompt someone to remember something, as in, "Call to mind the last time we discussed this issue." It suggests actively recalling information.

What are some alternatives to "Call to mind"?

Alternatives include "bring to mind", "remember", or "recollect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "Call to mind" formal or informal?

"Call to mind" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both writing and speaking in many contexts, though more casual alternatives exist.

What's the difference between "Call to mind" and "Bear in mind"?

"Call to mind" is about recalling something from the past, while "bear in mind" is about remembering something for future consideration. "Bear in mind" that the deadline is approaching.