brain of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brain of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the central or most important part of something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as describing a person who is the main thinker or strategist behind a project or idea. Example: "She is the brain of the operation, always coming up with innovative solutions to complex problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Finance is the brain of the economy.

The Economist

The brain of the building goes nuts.

The Guardian - Books

"The brain of the village idiot and the brain of a scientific genius are almost identical.

The New Yorker

"The brain of this government cannot understand postmodernism," he said.

The New Yorker

It won't do Brain of Britain any time soon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Woman in specs – she was on Brain Of Britain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Those ideas came from the brain of someone," I said.

The New York Times

Three wires were implanted into the brain of each rat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Our understanding of our brain, of our mind, is in its infancy.

The New Yorker

Related: Inside the hidden traffic 'brain' of Los Angeles.

BBC

"The brain of a chimp and the brain of a human are not that different anatomically.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brain of" to describe a person, ensure it accurately reflects their role as the primary thinker or strategist. Avoid using it loosely, as it implies significant intellectual contribution. For example, "She is the brain of the team, always devising innovative solutions."

Common error

While "brain of" is widely applicable, avoid using it in overly casual or informal settings where simpler terms like "planner" or "organizer" might be more appropriate. This maintains a level of professionalism and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brain of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as a noun modifier to describe the core, controlling, or intellectual element of something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing people to systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brain of" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote the central, controlling, or intellectual element of something. As affirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news, science, and wiki articles, emphasizing its versatility. While suitable for neutral registers, overuse in overly casual contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "intellect of" or "mind of" offer nuanced substitutions depending on the intended emphasis. Remember to accurately reflect the subject's role when using "brain of", highlighting their significant intellectual contribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellect of

Emphasizes intellectual capacity or understanding.

mind of

Focuses on the cognitive and mental processes.

genius of

Highlights exceptional intellectual or creative power.

source of

Indicates the origin or starting point of something.

center of

Points to the central or most important part.

heart of

Implies the core or essence of something.

driving force behind

Highlights the entity that propels or motivates something.

mastermind behind

Singles out the person who plans and directs a complex project or operation.

seat of

Emphasizes the location or base of something, especially power or authority.

nerve center of

Implies a central hub for control and coordination.

FAQs

How can I use "brain of" in a sentence?

The phrase "brain of" is used to describe the central or most important part of something, often in a metaphorical sense. For example, "She is the brain of the operation" or "The microprocessor is the central brain of any computer system".

What's a good alternative to "brain of" when describing a person?

Alternatives include "intellect of", "mind of", or "mastermind behind". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "brain of" to describe an inanimate object?

Yes, "brain of" can be used metaphorically to describe the central controlling component of an inanimate object or system. For example, "The control box is the brain of the automation system".

What's the difference between "brain of" and "heart of"?

"Brain of" refers to the central intelligence or planning function, while "heart of" refers to the core essence or emotional center. For example, "She's the brain of the operation, and he's the "heart of" the team".