Drawing a blank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Drawing a blank" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone is unable to remember something or is at a loss for ideas. Example: "During the meeting, I was drawing a blank when asked about the project's budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Drawing a blank," tweeted Jeff Flake, a Republican senator from Arizona.

The Guardian

Drawing a Blank on What to Cook?

Forbes

"Drawing a blank.

Los Angeles Times

Drawing a blank, I asked my patient his interpretation.

Huffington Post

I'm drawing a blank.

The New Yorker

Her mind was drawing a blank.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He drew a blank.

The New Yorker

I drew a blank.

The New York Times

Mostly, he drew a blank.

The New Yorker

This drew a blank.

The New Yorker

We draw a blank.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing this phrase in formal writing; consider more precise language depending on the context.

Common error

While "Drawing a blank" is acceptable in many situations, it may come across as too informal in academic or professional writing. Use more precise language like "unable to recall" or "experiencing a cognitive block" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Drawing a blank" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a temporary inability to remember something or think of an idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common way to express a momentary lapse in memory or creativity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science & Research

5%

The New Yorker

5%

HuffPost

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Drawing a blank" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to express a temporary inability to remember something or generate ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While versatile, it's more suitable for neutral to informal settings. Alternatives such as "unable to recall" or "experiencing a cognitive block" may be preferred in formal writing. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, as well as in academic and wiki contexts, making it a widely recognized and understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mind is blank

Focuses on the state of mind being empty of thoughts.

Cannot recall

Emphasizes the inability to bring something back to memory.

Brain is dead

Suggests a temporary halt in cognitive function.

Memory fails me

Highlights the failure of memory in a specific instance.

Lost for words

Indicates a lack of ability to articulate thoughts.

Cannot think of anything

Directly states the inability to generate any ideas.

Mind is a void

Portrays the mind as empty and without content.

Experiencing a mental block

Describes a temporary obstruction in cognitive processes.

At a loss for words

Expresses a temporary inability to speak due to a lack of thoughts.

Having a senior moment

Humorously attributes the memory lapse to aging.

FAQs

How can I use "Drawing a blank" in a sentence?

You can use "Drawing a blank" to indicate a temporary inability to remember something or come up with an idea. For example, "During the presentation, I was drawing a blank when asked about the sales figures."

What's a more formal way to say "Drawing a blank"?

In formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "unable to recall", "experiencing a cognitive block", or "at a loss for words" as alternatives to "Drawing a blank".

Is "Drawing a blank" grammatically correct?

Yes, "Drawing a blank" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiom in English.

What can I say instead of "Drawing a blank" when I forget someone's name?

Instead of saying "Drawing a blank", you could say "I "cannot recall" their name at the moment" or "Their name escapes me right now".