bring to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

'bring to mind' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that reminds you of a particular memory or thought - for example, "The smell of baking bread always brings to mind my grandmother's kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What did the sentences bring to mind?

The New York Times

Their bony limbs bring to mind an elephant graveyard.

The New York Times

(Their spindliness and stance bring to mind Kay Thompson's Eloise).

The New York Times - Arts

(I suppose it might bring to mind the reception afterward).

The New Yorker

Now they bring to mind squirrels stocking the larder for ______.

The New York Times

What does this anniversary bring to mind for you?

The New York Times

That's why his pictures can bring to mind movie stills.

The New York Times - Arts

To me, pinot noirs always bring to mind green beans.

The New York Times - Food

Incredible, unimaginable electronic sounds bring to mind destruction and desolation.

The Guardian - Music

Which neo-conservative does this bring to mind?

The Guardian - Film

They bring to mind the early work of Robert Rauschenberg.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bring to mind" when you want to emphasize the act of recalling a specific memory, feeling, or idea rather than just a general association.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily complex passive constructions. Instead of "Memories were brought to mind by the song", write "The song brought memories to mind."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring to mind" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a phrasal verb. It describes the action of causing a memory, thought, or image to enter one's consciousness. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various sentence structures, effectively conveying the act of triggering recollection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bring to mind" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of causing someone to remember something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its frequency is categorized as "very common," especially in "news and media", "science", and "academic" contexts. When writing, ensure you are using it to express the recall of specific memories or associations. Related phrases include "remind" and "evoke", though "bring to mind" often carries a nuance of more deliberate recollection. Avoid overly passive constructions for clearer writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call to mind

This alternative uses slightly different wording but maintains the same meaning and grammatical structure.

evoke

This alternative is a single verb that directly conveys the act of bringing something to mind.

remind

This alternative is a shorter, more direct verb that indicates causing someone to remember something.

make one think of

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the action of reminding.

conjure up

This alternative implies a more vivid or imaginative act of bringing something to mind.

awaken memories of

This alternative emphasizes the activation of past memories.

put one in mind of

This alternative is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing the same idea.

trigger recollections of

This alternative highlights the act of initiating memories of a particular event.

stir up associations with

This alternative focuses on the connections and links that are created in the mind.

elicit thoughts of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the extraction of thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "bring to mind" in a sentence?

Use "bring to mind" to indicate that something causes you to remember or think about something else. For example, "The old photograph "brought to mind" many happy memories."

What can I say instead of "bring to mind"?

You can use alternatives like "remind", "evoke", or "call to mind" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "bring to mind" or "remind"?

"Bring to mind" often implies a more thoughtful or deliberate act of recollection, whereas "remind" is a more general term for causing someone to remember something. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "bring to mind" and "call to mind"?

"Bring to mind" and "call to mind" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Call to mind" might suggest a more conscious or intentional effort to remember something.