brought to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brought to mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has recently been thought of or recalled due to a particular experience or situation. For example, "The sight of the empty beach brought to mind memories of my last summer vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It brought to mind a beauty mark.

The New Yorker

The display brought to mind an abacus.

The New Yorker

That brought to mind the ravioli.

The New York Times - Food

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

The New Yorker

It brought to mind night in the Utah desert.

The New York Times

The scene brought to mind an operating room after surgery.

The New Yorker

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

Independent

Short stop-motion animations brought to mind abstract video installations.

The New York Times

Putin's shootout goal brought to mind a mite as well.

The New Yorker

It wasn't something that I brought to mind.

The Guardian - Sport

It brought to mind the writer Jorge Luis Borges.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brought to mind" to subtly connect a current observation or experience with a past memory or association, enriching your description with a layer of personal or cultural context.

Common error

Avoid using "brought to mind" when a more direct causal verb like 'caused' or 'created' would be more accurate. "Brought to mind" implies a recalling of something already known, not the creation of something new.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brought to mind" functions as a phrasal verb in the passive voice. It indicates the act of recalling or remembering something due to a particular stimulus or trigger. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brought to mind" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the act of recalling something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. With its neutral register, it fits seamlessly into various writing styles. The examples from Ludwig highlight its prevalence in news, media, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the connection between a stimulus and a memory, and consider alternatives like "reminded me of" or "called to mind" for subtle shifts in meaning. Understanding its proper usage will enhance your writing by allowing you to create deeper connections between ideas and experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

called to mind

Very similar, almost interchangeable, but slightly more formal.

reminded me of

More personal and direct, specifying who is reminded.

made me think of

More direct and causal, focusing on the thought process.

was reminiscent of

Highlights the similarity between the present and the recalled thing.

triggered a memory of

Emphasizes the automatic and reactive nature of the recall.

put me in mind of

An older, somewhat archaic phrasing conveying the same meaning.

conjured up

More evocative and imaginative, suggesting a vivid recollection.

evoked

Single word alternative, more concise but potentially less descriptive.

recalled

A simpler, more direct verb for remembering something.

suggested

Implies a less direct or forceful connection than "brought to mind".

FAQs

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

You can use "brought to mind" to describe something that reminds you of something else. For example, "The smell of the ocean "brought to mind" my childhood vacations."

What are some alternatives to "brought to mind"?

Some alternatives to "brought to mind" include "reminded me of", "called to mind", or "made me think of".

Is "brought to mind" formal or informal?

"Brought to mind" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "brought to mind" and "reminded me of"?

While similar, ""brought to mind"" is slightly more subtle and suggestive, whereas ""reminded me of"" is more direct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.