a very good mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very good mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is intelligent, thoughtful, or has strong cognitive abilities. Example: "She has a very good mind for solving complex problems and thinking critically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And that's going to make you look like not a very good mind.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"He'll adjust to the speed of play because he's got a very good mind.

The New York Times

"I like the turtle too; he's got a very good mind, but slow, very slow.

The Guardian - Books

She has a mind of her own, really a very good mind.

The New York Times - Sports

"He had a very good mind, but he also had an honest mind," Mr. Mondale said.

The New York Times

He's got a very good mind, a good engine and very good limbs as well, and that combination is a potent force.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Harley-Davidson executives and marketing minds have "a very good idea of what their brand isn't, more than what it is," Spong adds.

Forbes

"What all the top drivers have is very good mind management, knowing how to go about their business.

BBC

"She's got a weave - not a very good one, mind you.

The Guardian - Sport

He has a very good footballing mind.

BBC

A very good device, mind, but one for those with an arm and or a leg to spare.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very good mind" to positively describe someone's intelligence, problem-solving skills, or thoughtfulness in various contexts.

Common error

While appropriate in general conversation and many articles, consider more sophisticated synonyms like "astute intellect" or "discerning mind" in academic or highly formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very good mind" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, used to attribute a positive cognitive ability to an individual. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very good mind" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone with strong cognitive abilities. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing. It is frequently found in "News & Media" and "Academia", making it a versatile phrase for expressing admiration for someone's intelligence or thoughtfulness. Consider alternatives like "a sharp mind" or "an excellent intellect" for nuanced expressions, as also suggested by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp mind

Emphasizes quickness and clarity of thought.

a brilliant mind

Highlights exceptional intelligence or creativity.

an excellent intellect

Focuses specifically on intellectual capability; more formal.

a gifted intellect

Suggests innate talent or natural ability.

an astute intellect

Implies keen discernment and insight.

an insightful intellect

Focuses on the ability to understand complex issues and offer profound perspectives.

a perceptive mind

Emphasizes the ability to understand and interpret things accurately.

a discerning mind

Implies careful evaluation and judgment.

a quick wit

Highlights the ability to think and respond rapidly and cleverly.

a remarkably intelligent person

Expands the phrase to explicitly state "person" and emphasize intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very good mind" to describe someone's intelligence or cognitive abilities. For example, "She has "a very good mind" for solving complex problems."

What can I say instead of "a very good mind"?

You can use alternatives like "a sharp mind", "a brilliant mind", or "an excellent intellect" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a very good mind"?

Yes, "a very good mind" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe someone's intelligence or cognitive capabilities.

What's the difference between "a very good mind" and "an intelligent person"?

"A very good mind" refers to the capacity for intelligence and thought, while "an intelligent person" describes someone who possesses and uses that capacity. The former focuses on the attribute, and the latter on the individual.