a mind

USAGE SUMMARY

'a mind' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person's mental faculties, such as their intellect, thought processes, and capacity for thought. For example, you could say "With a keen mind, he was able to quickly grasp new concepts".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

There's a mind there".

The New Yorker

His was a mind.

The New Yorker

devolves into a mind game.

The New York Times

"I'm not a mind reader.

The New York Times - Sports

That was a mind blower.

The New York Times

It's like a mind trick.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

What a mind-boggler!

The New York Times

"It's a mind-set".

The New York Times

"But it's a mind-set.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's a mind-blowing number".

The New Yorker

And a mind-set.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mind" to refer to someone's intellectual capacity, thought processes, or ability to understand and reason. For example, "She has a sharp mind for solving complex problems."

Common error

Avoid using "a mind" when referring to emotions or feelings. While thoughts and emotions are related, "a mind" typically refers to intellectual rather than emotional capacity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mind" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the mental capacity, intellect, or cognitive abilities of an individual. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing someone's intelligence, way of thinking, or mental state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mind" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe intellectual capacity or mental processes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and Ludwig examples demonstrate its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its precise meaning can vary depending on the context, referring to intellect, thought processes, or cognitive abilities. When using the phrase, be sure to focus on intellectual rather than emotional characteristics. Alternative expressions like "an intellect" or "a way of thinking" can be used for nuanced descriptions. The phrase is commonly found in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intellect

This phrase is a more formal synonym, emphasizing intellectual capacity.

a way of thinking

This phrase focuses on the specific manner in which someone processes thoughts.

a mental capacity

This phrase highlights the ability to perform mental tasks.

a cognitive ability

This is a more technical term, referring to specific mental skills.

a consciousness

This phrase emphasizes awareness and perception.

a mentality

This term describes a particular attitude or way of thinking.

a viewpoint

This focuses on a specific perspective or opinion.

a perspective

Similar to 'viewpoint', emphasizing a particular way of seeing things.

an understanding

This emphasizes comprehension and knowledge.

a brain

Informal synonym that refers to the physical organ and its capabilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mind" to describe someone's intellect or way of thinking, as in "He has "a brilliant mind"" or "She approaches problems with "an open mind"".

What's the difference between "a mind" and "a brain"?

"A brain" refers to the physical organ, while "a mind" refers to the intellectual and cognitive abilities associated with that organ. You might say "He has "a gifted mind"", referring to his intelligence, but "His brain was injured" refers to a physical condition.

What can I say instead of "a mind" to describe someone's intelligence?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an intellect", "a cognitive ability", or "a sharp mind".

Is it correct to say "a mind of its own"?

Yes, the expression "a mind of its own" is an idiomatic way of saying that something (often a system or machine) behaves unpredictably or independently.