a frame of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frame of mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particular mental state or attitude that someone has at a given time. Example: "She was in a positive frame of mind, which helped her tackle the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is a frame of mind".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a frame of mind.

The New York Times

Maybe it's a frame of mind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You get in a frame of mind.

The New York Times

Trust is substantially a frame of mind, a psychological state.

The Economist

Such a frame of mind, he believes, fosters innovation.

The Economist

Happiness is more a frame of mind, I think".

Independent

Growth mindset is a frame of mind held inside one person's brain.

Harvard Business Review

Kaizen is more a frame of mind than a business process.

The Economist

It's a frame of mind, a state of mind, it's circumstantial".

The Guardian - Music

No so ciety can deal effectively and peaceably with its problems in such a frame of mind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a frame of mind" to explore how perspectives affect decision-making processes or reactions to specific events. For example, you can analyse how someone's "frame of mind" can make them more prone to irrational behaviours.

Common error

While versatile, "a frame of mind" can sometimes be too informal for highly academic or technical writing. Consider using more precise terms like "cognitive state" or "mental disposition" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frame of mind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a particular mental state or attitude. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often appears after verbs like "be", "get into", or "put into", indicating the subject's current mental condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a frame of mind" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a person's mental state or attitude. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in varied contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles, consider its subtle informality compared to more formal options like "cognitive state" in academic settings. When writing, remember that "a frame of mind" often implies a temporary state influenced by circumstances. Be aware that while largely interchangeable, in some cases, "state of mind" might be a more suitable alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of mind

This alternative is a more common and direct synonym, focusing on the current mental condition.

mental state

This is a more clinical term for "a frame of mind", often used in psychological contexts.

mental attitude

This is a combination of 'mental state' and 'attitude', emphasizing a cognitive and emotional position.

mindset

This refers to an established set of attitudes or beliefs held by someone.

outlook

This term emphasizes a broader perspective or attitude toward life or a specific situation.

emotional state

This emphasizes the emotional aspects of someone's mental condition.

perspective

This focuses on the way someone views or interprets things, their point of view.

attitude

This highlights the disposition or feeling one has towards something.

point of view

Similar to 'perspective', this emphasizes a personal and subjective viewpoint.

disposition

Refers to a person's inherent qualities of mind and character, their usual mood.

FAQs

How can I use "a frame of mind" in a sentence?

You can use "a frame of mind" to describe someone's mental state or attitude in a given situation. For example, "She approached the challenge with "a positive frame of mind"".

What's the difference between "a frame of mind" and "state of mind"?

While similar, "a frame of mind" often suggests a temporary or context-dependent mental state, whereas "state of mind" can imply a more enduring or general condition. The two terms are largely interchangeable, but depending on nuance, in some cases "state of mind" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "a frame of mind"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "outlook", "perspective", "attitude", or "mindset".

Is "a frame of mind" formal or informal?

"A frame of mind" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for most contexts, but it can sometimes be seen as slightly informal. For more formal settings, consider using "mental state" or "cognitive disposition".