an old mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an old mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a lot of experience or wisdom, often implying that their way of thinking is traditional or outdated. Example: "Despite the rapid changes in technology, he still approaches problems with an old mind, valuing tried-and-true methods over new trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ronald made me laugh so much: although he was an elderly man, he didn't have an old mind at all.

The Guardian - Arts

The literary poverty of "The Body" makes its premise -- a new vehicle for an old mind -- seem like going only halfway.

The New York Times - Books

But he differs from them in the ruminative and sensitive qualities of his work, which suggest at once the sagacity of an old mind and the vulnerability of a young heart.

The New Yorker

He compares himself to a nobleman he once knew who would keep his chamber pots for a week to display, seriatim, to his friends — "He thought about them, talked about them: for him any other topic stank" — saying, "Here (a little more decorously) you have the droppings of an old mind, sometimes hard, sometimes squittery, but always ill-digested".

The New Yorker

What surfaces from the depths of an old mind is a bit blurry, as if one's had a few drinks, Hla Di Lu says with a toothless grin.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Announcing the changes last week, Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats in the coalition government, said Britain's current maternity leave arrangements, where women are entitled to up to a year's leave, reflected an old mind-set that "families are still comprised of one breadwinner and one homemaker: Mum in the kitchen, Dad in the office".

The New York Times

Knowing when to stroke, when to resist, when to yield, when to quicken, when to slow... when to submit, when to dominate, when to make a sudden volte-face... And, let's banish any doubt -- an older mind, or shall we say a sophisticated mind, filled with experience and stories and years of observation, can knock a younger one out of the ring.  .

Huffington Post

The book's epigraph reads "Let yourself be led by the child you were" and this seems to encapsulate Saramago's attitude to writing: a childlike guilelessness and innocence channelled through a wise old mind.

The Guardian - Books

Little things fall away from an old man's mind, but what you're trying to put into it would never have left it".

The New Yorker

And the ambrosial memory yet lingers in my old mind like a sweet, candid whisper in a New Orleans hotel on that dangerously tepid autumn night in 1942.

TechCrunch

We now know that a recession was already under way.In this section Divining the future Red and redder The price of prominence Banking on Fischer New skills for an old game Mind games Reprints Related items Portfolio pollJan 13th 2005Some economists argue that recessions are typically caused by unpredictable shocks, such as the events of September 11th 2001 or a sudden rise in oil prices.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an old mind" when you want to convey that someone's thinking is shaped by past experiences, traditions, or long-held beliefs, but be mindful of potential negative connotations implying inflexibility or resistance to change.

Common error

Be careful not to use "an old mind" in a way that stereotypes older people as being inherently out of touch or resistant to new ideas. Instead, focus on the specific qualities or viewpoints that characterize their thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an old mind" functions as a noun phrase, where 'old' is an adjective modifying the noun 'mind'. This phrase typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a characteristic or quality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an old mind" is a phrase used to describe a way of thinking that's rooted in tradition, experience, or past events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears in diverse sources, predominantly in news and media. While it can imply wisdom, it's essential to use it carefully to avoid stereotyping or suggesting resistance to change. Consider alternatives like "a wise mind" or "a traditional mindset" depending on the context. Always be mindful of the potential connotations and the specific message you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wise mind

Emphasizes wisdom and insight gained through experience.

an experienced perspective

Focuses on the value of practical experience.

a venerable mind

Suggests respect and admiration for age and wisdom.

a seasoned intellect

Implies a mature and refined understanding.

a mature outlook

Stresses a developed and thoughtful perspective.

a traditional mindset

Highlights adherence to conventional or established ways of thinking.

a mind steeped in history

Implies that a mind is shaped by a deep understanding of the past.

an antiquated viewpoint

Indicates an outdated or obsolete perspective.

a dated mentality

Highlights the old-fashioned nature of the thinking.

a backward way of thinking

Suggests that the thinking is not aligned with current norms.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "an old mind"?

Having "an old mind" typically suggests that someone's thinking is rooted in traditional values, past experiences, or established ways of doing things. It can imply wisdom and experience, but also resistance to change or new ideas.

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

You can use "an old mind" to describe someone who approaches situations with a traditional or experienced perspective. For example, "Despite the company's push for innovation, he still relies on "an old mind" and proven methods."

What are some alternatives to saying "an old mind"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a wise mind", "an experienced perspective", or "a traditional mindset" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always positive to describe someone as having "an old mind"?

Not necessarily. While it can suggest wisdom and experience, it can also imply that someone is resistant to change or out of touch with current trends. The connotation depends on the context and how the phrase is used.