an excellent mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an excellent mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has exceptional intelligence or cognitive abilities. Example: "Her ability to solve complex problems quickly is a testament to her excellent mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He had an excellent mind but an even better heart.

The New York Times

The pause is French, has significant breasts and an excellent mind.

The Guardian - Books

He's a professor of comp lit at the American University in Paris, and one of the editors of Samuel Beckett's letters – an excellent mind and an excellent scholar; I wrote about him here.

Stanford University

In 1951, the year of King's graduation from Crozer, Dean Charles Batten praised him as "one of our most outstanding students" and someone who exhibited "fine preparation, an excellent mind, and a thorough grasp of the material" (Papers 1 390 391).

Stanford University

Early on, he displayed an excellent mind for numbers and detailed accounting.

Wikipedia

He has an excellent mind and much better intellect than myself ... JP is going to be very valuable".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Now that we have an excellent mind-set ready to express ourselves honestly and confidently, we need to plan a date.

WikiHow

Billed as a 'confestival' it's more like the kind of three-day off-the-wall workshop with a few (excellent, mind) keynote speeches that you might have found happening in the Mission district during the 1960s.

TechCrunch

He's also a fiercely independent thinker with an excellent legal mind, who believes passionately in equal opportunity for all Americans.

Huffington Post

The mayor is "well-organized, has an excellent political mind and a great staff," Mr. Beck said.

The New York Times

"She has an excellent analytical mind, and even on matters where I might have come to different conclusions I respected her analysis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone with "an excellent mind", provide specific examples of their intellectual capabilities, such as problem-solving skills or innovative thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "an excellent mind" too frequently in highly formal or academic writing; consider more nuanced alternatives like "astute intellect" or "profound thinker" to add variety and precision to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an excellent mind" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used to attribute a positive quality to a person's intellect. It highlights the exceptional cognitive abilities of an individual. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an excellent mind" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe someone with exceptional intelligence. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it is appropriate across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. For enhancing writing, consider using more descriptive alternatives like "a brilliant intellect" or providing specific examples of intellectual capabilities. Be mindful of overuse in highly formal settings. By understanding its usage and purpose, you can effectively employ "an excellent mind" to acknowledge and praise cognitive strengths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brilliant intellect

Emphasizes intellectual capacity and brightness, offering a more concise alternative.

a sharp mind

Focuses on quickness and acuity of thought, providing a less formal option.

an astute intellect

Highlights perceptiveness and shrewdness, suggesting a practical intelligence.

a gifted intellect

Implies natural talent and exceptional cognitive abilities.

a first-rate mind

Indicates high quality and superior cognitive function, less commonly used.

a remarkable intellect

Stresses the outstanding and noteworthy nature of the intelligence.

a prodigious intellect

Suggests exceptional and early development of intellectual abilities.

a keen intellect

Focuses on enthusiasm and eagerness in using one's mental abilities.

a superior intellect

Indicates an intellect that is above average and excels in cognitive function.

a powerful intellect

Stresses the strength and capability of the mental faculties.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with great intelligence instead of using "an excellent mind"?

You could use phrases such as "a brilliant intellect", "a sharp mind", or "an astute intellect" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "an excellent mind" in formal writing?

Yes, "an excellent mind" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, for a more sophisticated tone, consider using alternatives like "a profound intellect" or "an astute thinker".

What qualities define someone who possesses "an excellent mind"?

Qualities may include strong problem-solving skills, innovative thinking, exceptional memory, and the ability to quickly grasp complex concepts.

How does "an excellent mind" differ from "a good mind"?

"An excellent mind" suggests a higher degree of intelligence and cognitive ability compared to "a good mind". It implies exceptional intellectual capabilities.