be of two minds

USAGE SUMMARY

"be of two minds" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be uncertain or undecided about something, or to have conflicting thoughts or opinions. Example: She was of two minds about whether to accept the job offer or continue searching for a better opportunity. On one hand, the salary was good, but on the other hand, she wasn't sure if the company's values aligned with her own.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Placement agents seem to be of two minds.

The New York Times

But voters can be of two minds about partisanship.

The New York Times

The federal government seems to be of two minds.

The New York Times

Part of the Court's opinion suggests that it might be of two minds on this matter.

Cornell University

The Taliban themselves appear to be of two minds about the election.

The New York Times

Conservatives seem to be of two minds about how best to take her on this time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I'm of two minds.

The New York Times

We were of two minds ourselves.

Harvard Business Review

Proenza Schouler was of two minds.

The New York Times

Geldof himself has been of two minds.

The Guardian

I was of two minds about my isolation.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be of two minds" to precisely convey a state of internal conflict or indecision regarding a specific matter. This idiom adds nuance to your writing and helps illustrate complex perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "be of two minds" when simply stating a preference. This idiom implies a significant internal conflict, not just a slight leaning towards one option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be of two minds" functions as an idiomatic expression. It serves to describe a state of indecision or internal conflict. Ludwig shows it's used to express uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be of two minds" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that means being uncertain or undecided. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. When you want to express a state of internal conflict, using "be of two minds" can add depth to your writing. However, ensure you're accurately portraying a genuine struggle, not just a mild preference. Alternatives such as "feel ambivalent" or "be undecided" can be useful depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be undecided

Directly states the lack of a firm decision or opinion.

be torn between

Highlights the internal conflict and difficulty in choosing between two options.

feel ambivalent

Focuses on the feeling of having mixed emotions, rather than the state of having two distinct opinions.

have mixed feelings

Stresses the emotional aspect of having contradictory feelings about something.

have reservations

Indicates having doubts or concerns about something, implying a lack of full agreement.

waver between options

Emphasizes the act of fluctuating between different choices or possibilities.

struggle with a decision

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in making a choice.

sit on the fence

Indicates a reluctance to take a definitive position or make a commitment.

see both sides

Emphasizes the ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives on an issue.

be in a quandary

Highlights the state of being perplexed or uncertain over what to do in a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be of two minds" in a sentence?

You can use "be of two minds" to express internal conflict or indecision, as in, "I "am of two minds" about accepting the new job, because it pays well but requires long hours."

What does it mean to "be of two minds"?

To "be of two minds" means to be uncertain or undecided about something, or to have conflicting opinions or feelings about it.

What's the difference between "be of two minds" and "being ambivalent"?

"Be of two minds" refers to having conflicting opinions or being undecided, while "being ambivalent" focuses more on having mixed or contradictory feelings.

Are there situations where "be of two minds" is not appropriate?

Yes, it's not ideal when describing a simple preference or a situation without significant internal conflict; alternatives like "undecided" or "having mixed feelings" may be more suitable.