back of the mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back of the mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to thoughts or feelings that are not at the forefront of one's consciousness but are still present in some way. Example: "Even though I was focused on my work, the idea of taking a vacation lingered in the back of my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

But it stays in the back of the mind".

The New Yorker

"Any time that's going on, you think in the back of the mind that it's possible".

The New York Times - Sports

On these lush summer evenings, the shaky economy is stored in the back of the mind.

The New York Times - Sports

Another war, another country, file it away in the back of the mind.

The New York Times

Those defeats all stick in the back of the mind but you have to use them as a positive".

The Guardian - Sport

But you move on to other obsessions, or entrancements, and things get consigned to the back of the mind.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

This distrust was no back-of-the-mind matter of speculation.

The New York Times

Weeks later, I'm still plagued with the back-of-the-mind feeling that one of these days I'll figure out how to make the pictures reappear as magically as they vanished.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some of that perception was perhaps based less on empirical observation of Dempsey's performances and more on a back-of-the-mind projection of where he would be by the time Russia 2018 came round.

The Guardian - Sport

"There was always this little back-of-the-mind concern," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, one of two branches at the N.I.H. that paid for the research.

The New York Times

But in the back of my mind the goal is always to be Billy.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back of the mind" to indicate a thought or concern that influences behavior or decisions without being the primary focus of attention. For example, "Even while enjoying the party, the deadline was in the back of my mind."

Common error

While "back of the mind" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your work sound less professional. Opt for alternatives like "underlying consideration" or "subconscious awareness" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back of the mind" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner or condition in which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back of the mind" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies a thought or concern lingering in one's awareness without being the primary focus. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Sport. While generally neutral in register, formal contexts may benefit from synonyms such as "underlying consideration". Common usage involves indicating a subtle influence on actions or decisions. Remember to use the phrase judiciously and consider alternative expressions for formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying thought

Emphasizes that the thought exists beneath the surface of immediate awareness.

nagging feeling

Focuses on the persistent and bothersome nature of the feeling.

peripheral thought

Indicates the thought is on the edge of consciousness, not the main focus.

lingering thought

Focuses on the persistence of the thought rather than its location in the consciousness.

subconscious awareness

Emphasizes the subconscious aspect of the thought, implying it's not fully conscious.

latent concern

Indicates a hidden or underlying worry that exists beneath the surface.

repressed idea

Highlights the idea being suppressed or kept out of conscious thought.

lurking suspicion

Highlights the hidden and potentially negative nature of the suspicion.

implicit awareness

Stresses the indirect or unstated nature of the awareness.

unspoken consideration

Focuses on the fact that the thought is not openly expressed or discussed.

FAQs

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

You can use "back of the mind" to describe something you are aware of, but not actively thinking about. For example, "The possibility of rain was in the back of my mind, so I brought an umbrella."

What are some alternatives to "back of the mind"?

You can use alternatives like "lingering thought", "underlying consideration", or "subconscious awareness" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in the back of my head" instead of "back of the mind"?

While "in the back of my head" is similar, it often implies a more prominent or persistent thought. "Back of the mind" suggests a more subtle or less intrusive presence. "In the back of my head" is often linked to a memory or something more concrete than a fleeting thought.

What does it mean when something is "at the back of your mind"?

It means you are aware of it but not actively focused on it. It's a passive awareness that can influence your actions or feelings. It's very similar to saying it is "in the back of your mind".