brings to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brings to mind" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an idea or memory that has been sparked by something else. For example, "The smell of freshly baked bread brings to mind childhood memories of my grandma's kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That brings to mind a saying: "Football.

The New York Times

Which brings to mind Bernard L. Madoff.

The New York Times

That brings to mind another term: Capture.

The Guardian

It brings to mind cranberries, not tomatoes.

The New Yorker

Her manner brings to mind Norma Desmond.

The New York Times

Which brings to mind Caroline Lalive.

The New York Times

Which brings to mind jet lag.

The New York Times - Travel

Which brings to mind a number of things.

The New York Times

As for the people it brings to mind?

The New York Times

It all brings to mind the nuclear arms race.

The New York Times

"The Way" also brings to mind another family relationship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brings to mind," ensure the connection is clear and relevant to your overall point to avoid confusing the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "brings to mind" with obscure or irrelevant associations that don't resonate with your audience. Always consider whether the connection you're making is widely understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brings to mind" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with an idea or memory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used. For instance, "COOL fall weather brings to mind woodsy flavors."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Food

5%

Film

5%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Opinion

3%

Books

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brings to mind" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to connect ideas and evoke memories. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral tone and widespread use, particularly in News & Media sources, make it suitable for various contexts. To enhance your writing, remember to make clear and relatable associations. Avoid obscure references. Alternatives like "calls to mind" or "reminds me of" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calls to mind

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

reminds me of

More personal and direct, indicating a subjective recollection.

makes me think of

Similar to reminds me of, but emphasizes the thinking process.

evokes

Implies a strong emotional or imaginative response, differing in intensity.

is reminiscent of

Focuses on similarity and past associations.

suggests

Indicates a less direct or forceful association.

conjures up

Implies a vivid and detailed mental image.

puts me in mind of

An older, slightly more literary variation with a similar meaning.

is suggestive of

Indicates a hint or indirect link.

creates an association with

More technical and less idiomatic, useful in analytical contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "brings to mind" to connect a concept to something relatable. For example, "The scent of pine "brings to mind" winter holidays".

What phrases are similar to "brings to mind"?

Alternatives include "calls to mind", "reminds me of", or "evokes". Choose the best fit based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "brings to mind" or "reminds me of"?

Both phrases are correct, but "brings to mind" is slightly more formal. "Reminds me of" is more personal. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "suggests" and "brings to mind"?

"Suggests" implies a less direct or forceful association, while "brings to mind" implies a more immediate and clear connection. For example, a faint melody might "suggests" a particular era, but a distinct melody "brings to mind" a specific song.