a state of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"a state of mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's mental and emotional state, or how someone feels at a given moment. For example: "He was in a state of mind where he no longer felt capable of completing the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A State of Mind".

The New Yorker

"It's a state of mind".

The New York Times

Winning is also a state of mind.

The Guardian - Books

Is it a state of mind?

The New Yorker

Being stuck is a state of mind".

The New Yorker

A place or a state of mind?

Independent

Lagom is also a state of mind.

The Guardian - Books

Puglia is a state of mind.

The Times

Adventure is largely a state of mind.

The Guardian - Travel

"Summer is just a state of mind".

The New York Times

It is a state of mind.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a state of mind" to emphasize the subjective nature of an experience or concept. For instance, "Happiness isn't about possessions; it's a state of mind."

Common error

Avoid using "a state of mind" to describe fleeting feelings. For example, instead of saying "His anger is a state of mind", which implies a constant condition, it's better to say "He is in an angry state of mind right now" to reflect a temporary feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of mind" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. It describes a condition or a way of being, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state of mind" is a versatile phrase used to describe someone's mental and emotional condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally appropriate for neutral and informal registers, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding the common mistake of describing fleeting feelings as permanent states. For alternative expressions, consider "a frame of mind", "an emotional state", or "a mental condition" to match the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frame of mind

Suggests a particular way of thinking about something.

a mindset

Refers to an established set of attitudes or beliefs.

a mental condition

Focuses more on the psychological aspect of the state.

an emotional state

Emphasizes the emotional aspect rather than the cognitive.

a way of thinking

Simplifies the concept to cognitive processes.

a psychological condition

Highlights clinical or diagnostic implications.

an attitude

Focuses on a settled way of thinking or feeling.

a perspective

Implies a viewpoint or attitude.

a disposition

Suggests a natural or habitual inclination.

an outlook

Emphasizes a general view or attitude towards life.

FAQs

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

You can use "a state of mind" to describe someone's mental or emotional condition. For example, "Achieving inner peace is often described as "a state of mind" that requires dedication and practice."

What can I say instead of "a state of mind"?

Alternatives include "a frame of mind", "an emotional state", or "a mental condition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "state of mind" or "state of the art"?

The choice depends on the context. "State of mind" refers to someone's mental or emotional condition, while "state of the art" refers to the highest level of development in a particular field. They have completely different meanings and cannot be interchanged.

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

"A state of mind" encompasses a broader range of mental and emotional conditions, while "a way of thinking" specifically refers to cognitive processes and approaches.