back of my mind

USAGE SUMMARY

'back of my mind' is correct and often used in written English.
It's used to indicate that something is present in thought, even if it's not regularly conscious. For example, "I had a feeling in the back of my mind that something wasn't quite right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Back of my mind all time.

The New Yorker

It's at the back of my mind.

The Guardian - Sport

It's in the back of my mind.

The New York Times

"It's in the back of my mind all the time".

The New York Times - Sports

"I had that in the back of my mind.

The New York Times - Sports

"Her camp just stayed in the back of my mind.

The New York Times

That is always something in the back of my mind.

The New York Times

"She was always in the back of my mind".

The New York Times

"That's still in the back of my mind," Nelson said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was always in the back of my mind".

The New York Times - Health

I just put it to the back of my mind".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back of my mind" to indicate a thought that is present but not the primary focus. It suggests something is being considered or remembered on a subconscious level.

Common error

Avoid using "back of my mind" excessively. While it's a common idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "at the edge of consciousness" or "lingering in my thoughts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back of my mind" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the manner in which a thought or idea is held in one's awareness. It describes the state of being subconsciously remembered or considered, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back of my mind" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a thought or idea that is present in one's awareness but not the primary focus. According to Ludwig, it signifies something being remembered or considered subconsciously. This expression is frequently found in news and media, suggesting a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While it's a useful phrase, avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. Consider using alternatives like "at the edge of consciousness" or "lurking in my subconscious" to add variety to your writing. With its prevalent usage and clear meaning, "back of my mind" remains a valuable tool for expressing underlying awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the back of my head

Uses a different body part to express the idea of a secondary thought.

at the periphery of my thoughts

Focuses on the thought being on the edge of one's awareness.

lingering in my thoughts

Focuses on the persistent nature of the thought.

at the edge of consciousness

Emphasizes the barely conscious state of the thought.

on the fringes of my awareness

Similar to 'periphery', but suggests a vaguer presence.

simmering in the background

Uses a metaphor to suggest the thought is present but not active.

lurking in my subconscious

Highlights the subconscious nature of the thought.

a nagging thought

Implies the thought is persistent and slightly bothersome.

in the recesses of my mind

Indicates the thought is hidden or tucked away.

tucked away in my memory

Highlights the thought being stored in one's memory.

FAQs

What does "back of my mind" mean?

The phrase "back of my mind" means something is present in your thoughts or awareness, but it's not your primary focus. It suggests a thought that lingers or is remembered subconsciously.

How can I use "back of my mind" in a sentence?

You can use "back of my mind" to describe a thought that's not at the forefront of your attention. For example, "The possibility of failure was always in the back of my mind."

What are some alternatives to saying "back of my mind"?

You can use alternatives like "at the edge of consciousness", "lingering in my thoughts", or "lurking in my subconscious" depending on the context.

Is it more correct to say "in the back of my mind" or "at the back of my mind"?

"In the back of my mind" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "at the back of my mind" isn't necessarily incorrect, it's less frequently used.