a question in mind

USAGE SUMMARY

'a question in mind' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as an idiom or a figure of speech to describe when someone has a particular thought or idea that they are considering. For example, "John had a question in mind as he read the instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I went to Venice with a question in mind.

The New York Times - Arts

It's great to go to the labyrinth with a question in mind, and discover the answer while circling the soft grass in your bare feet.

The New York Times

Edwina Dunn of Dunnhumby, the British agency behind Tesco's loyalty scheme, gives a warning about the current fashion for databases: "If you set up a database, have a question in mind.

The Economist

Indeed, it is better to have a question in mind first because that can guide both the choice of assumptions and the flavor of the model that is used.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then ask a question in your mind.

The New Yorker

"I don't have a question in my mind.

The New York Times

'But it was always a question in my mind.

The Guardian - Music

It was never a question in my mind".

The New York Times

It isn't even a question in his mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

"As a CEO, it's not even a question in my mind.

The Guardian

There is not even a question in my mind about that.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question in mind" to clearly indicate that someone is actively considering or contemplating a specific query or problem. This emphasizes intentionality and focus.

Common error

Avoid using "a question in mind" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "I was wondering" or "I was thinking" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question in mind" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a state of active consideration or contemplation. It highlights that someone is not simply thinking, but specifically pondering a query or issue. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question in mind" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that someone is actively considering a specific query. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase isn't extremely common, it finds use in news, media, and scientific contexts. For more casual settings, simpler phrases might be preferred. To effectively use the phrase, ensure it's conveying a sense of focused contemplation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a query in mind

Uses a synonym for "question", maintaining a formal tone.

a thought in mind

Replaces "question" with a more general term, indicating a broader idea or consideration.

an idea in mind

Similar to "a thought in mind", but suggests a more concrete or formulated concept.

a problem in mind

Suggests a specific issue or challenge being considered.

a concern in mind

Focuses on a worry or issue that someone is contemplating.

a consideration in mind

Emphasizes the act of thinking something over, rather than a specific question.

a matter in mind

Highlights that something important or relevant is being thought about.

a puzzle in mind

Indicates something confusing or difficult to understand is being considered.

a purpose in mind

Similar to "a goal in mind", highlighting the reason or intention behind an action.

a goal in mind

Shifts the focus to an objective or aim that someone is considering.

FAQs

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

You can use "a question in mind" to indicate that someone is actively considering a particular query. For example, "She went to the library with "a question in mind" about the origins of the universe".

What are some alternatives to "a question in mind"?

Alternatives include "a thought in mind", "an idea in mind", or "a query in mind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a question on my mind" or "a question in mind"?

"A question on my mind" generally implies a persistent or nagging question, whereas ""a question in mind"" suggests a more focused and deliberate inquiry.

How does the context affect the suitability of using "a question in mind"?

The phrase ""a question in mind"" is suitable for formal writing or situations where you want to emphasize deliberate contemplation, but it may sound overly formal in casual conversation.