a mental note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mental note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are making a conscious effort to remember something without writing it down. Example: "I made a mental note to call her back later after our meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make a mental note.

The New York Times

Lee appeared to make a mental note.

The New Yorker

I made a mental note of that.

The New York Times - Travel

I made a mental note to investigate.

The New York Times - Sports

The actors made a mental note.

The New York Times - Style

The architect made a mental note.

The New York Times

(c) Never says, "I'm making a mental note".

The New Yorker

She made a mental note of this detail.

The New York Times

I make a mental note not to tailgate her.

The New York Times

I made a mental note of how many there were.

The Guardian

I make a mental note to tweet this thought.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mental note" to indicate a conscious effort to remember something without physically writing it down. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a mental note" when you've actually written something down. The phrase specifically implies an intention to remember something without external aids.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mental note" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb like "make", "take", or "keep". As shown by Ludwig, it indicates the act of consciously deciding to remember something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mental note" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies the intention to remember something without writing it down. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in news and media. To enhance your writing, consider using it in contexts where you want to convey the act of internalizing information for later recall. Alternatives such as "a note to self" or "an internal reminder" can add variety to your expression. Avoid using the phrase when you've actually recorded the information physically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a note to self

A common and concise way to express making a mental note.

a reminder to oneself

Emphasizes the personal nature of the reminder.

an internal reminder

Highlights that the reminder is kept within one's thoughts.

a mental memorandum

Uses a more formal term for a note, implying a structured memory.

keep it in mind

Suggests holding onto the thought or information.

bear in mind

Similar to "keep it in mind", suggesting awareness and remembrance.

a cognitive bookmark

Metaphorically refers to marking something in one's mind for future reference.

commit to memory

Focuses on the effort to remember something deliberately.

file it away for later

Implies storing the information in one's memory for future use.

take heed

Emphasizes paying attention and remembering something important.

FAQs

How can I use "a mental note" in a sentence?

You can use "a mental note" to describe remembering something important. For example, "I made a mental note to buy milk on the way home".

What are some alternatives to saying "a mental note"?

Alternatives include "a reminder to oneself", "a note to self", or "keep it in mind", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to make "a mental note" or write it down?

While making "a mental note" can be quick, writing things down is generally more reliable, especially for important or complex information. Consider writing it down if you're likely to forget.

What's the difference between "a mental note" and "a reminder"?

"A reminder" is a broader term that can refer to anything that helps you remember something, while "a mental note" specifically refers to an intention to remember something without external aids.