call to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

'call to mind' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to when something reminds you of a past experience. For example, "The smell of fresh-baked cookies always calls to mind my childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You will call to mind the text.

The Guardian - Music

An extraordinary event can call to mind ordinary times.

The New Yorker

What images did the song call to mind?

The New York Times

Many objects here call to mind works by other artists.

The New York Times

China's actions call to mind similar claims to islands in the South China Sea.

The Economist

His sentences call to mind the late work of V. S. Naipaul: comfortable, unforced, conversational, unafraid.

The New York Times - Books

His gait and his swing call to mind a push-up collapsible toy.

The New York Times - Sports

His compact, intensely worked drawings of room interiors and landscapes call to mind van Gogh's.

The New York Times - Arts

When I call to mind that bench, I can even feel the sun on my belly.

The New York Times

They call to mind Philip Guston's late, cartoon phase but have a more cheerful mood.

The New York Times - Arts

For some observers, the trendier polishes can also call to mind pea soup, algae and ectoplasm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "bring to mind" or "evoke" to avoid repetition and enhance the readability of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using reflexive pronouns with "call to mind" when they are unnecessary. For example, do not say "The painting called myself to mind", as the verb already implies an object. Instead, use a direct object: "The painting called childhood memories to mind".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "call to mind" is a phrasal verb. It operates transitively, requiring an object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness as evidenced by numerous examples. It is used to describe the act of something causing a memory or thought to arise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call to mind" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to express that something evokes a memory, feeling, or image. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. Its meaning is consistent and clear, and its formality level is generally neutral. While synonyms like "bring to mind" or "evoke" can be used for variety, "call to mind" remains a versatile and effective way to describe the triggering of memories and associations. Remember to avoid unnecessary reflexive pronouns when using the phrase, and consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing an alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring to mind

Replaces "call" with "bring", maintaining the same meaning of evoking a memory or thought.

evoke

A single-word synonym that means to bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind.

remind one of

Emphasizes the act of reminding someone of something.

conjure up

Implies a more vivid or imaginative recollection.

stir up

Suggests a more emotional or intense recollection.

recollect

Focuses on the act of remembering something with effort.

remember

A basic and direct way of saying to bring something back to your awareness.

think back to

Implies a deliberate act of recalling a past event or experience.

elicit a memory of

More formal and emphasizes the act of drawing out a memory.

put in remembrance of

Formal; emphasizes an active reminder.

FAQs

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

You can use "call to mind" to indicate that something reminds you of something else. For example, "The scent of pine needles "calls to mind" winter holidays".

What are some alternatives to "call to mind"?

Some alternatives to "call to mind" include "bring to mind", "evoke", "remind one of", or "conjure up", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "calls to my mind" instead of "call to mind"?

No, the correct phrasing is "call to mind". The possessive pronoun is generally omitted in this idiomatic expression.

What is the difference between "call to mind" and "remember"?

"Call to mind" suggests something is triggered or evoked, whereas "remember" simply means to recall something directly. "The old song "called to mind" memories of the past" implies the song evoked those memories. "I "remember" my first bicycle" is a direct recollection.