calling to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calling to mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to evoke or remember something from memory. Example: "The old photograph was calling to mind memories of my childhood summers spent at the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The still life suffers from calling to mind the heavy outlines of Bernard Buffet's paintings.

The New York Times - Arts

The effect was country English, calling to mind the pretty heroines of Daphne du Maurier romances.

The New York Times

We mostly imagine characters in a kind of shorthand, calling to mind only what's absolutely necessary.

The New York Times

Close at hand, though longing in earnest and calling to mind some distant place.

The Guardian - Books

He slams on the brakes during intercourse by calling to mind a fresh corpse.

The New York Times - Magazine

But lessons are out of fashion, regrettably calling to mind Michael Gove.

The Guardian - Books

(I'm calling to mind my current correspondence with the Inland Revenue).

The Guardian - Books

The cocktail was delicious, calling to mind a Rob Roy by way of the spas of Sedona, Ariz.

The New York Times - Food

Its shadows are a cluster of dangling spheres, calling to mind a music chord freed from its staff.

The Economist

He is ever in motion, calling to mind a child after a breakfast of sugary cereal and a soda.

The New York Times - Sports

And Marepe makes objects that look like laundry bundles, calling to mind the wrapped sculptures of Christo.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calling to mind" when you want to subtly suggest an association or resemblance, rather than stating it directly. This can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "calling to mind" in situations where a simpler verb like "reminds" or "suggests" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calling to mind" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, that modifies a noun or pronoun. It expresses the action of evoking or bringing something into one's memory or awareness. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "calling to mind" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of evoking memories or associations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it adds a subtle layer of sophistication to writing. To avoid overuse, consider simpler alternatives like "reminds of" or "suggests" when appropriate. Remember that "calling to mind" implies a more active recollection than a passive reminder.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reminding of

Focuses directly on the act of reminding, omitting the element of mental retrieval or summoning.

bringing to mind

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the act of bringing something into one's thoughts.

evoking memories of

Specifically highlights the emotional or sensory experience of remembering.

recalling

Highlights the act of actively remembering something.

suggesting

Implies a more subtle form of association or resemblance.

conjuring up

Emphasizes the almost magical act of summoning something from memory.

making one think of

A more direct and explicit way of expressing the association.

remembering

This alternative is more direct and simple compared to the original query.

resembling

Focuses on the similarity or likeness that triggers the memory or association.

echoing

Implies a faint or distant resemblance or reminder.

FAQs

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

You can use "calling to mind" to subtly suggest an association or resemblance. For example: "The melody was "calling to mind" a song from my childhood."

What are some alternatives to "calling to mind"?

Some alternatives to "calling to mind" include "reminding of", "bringing to mind", or "evoking memories of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "calling to mind" formal or informal?

"Calling to mind" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though it may be perceived as slightly more literary or sophisticated than simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "calling to mind" and "reminding of"?

"Calling to mind" often implies a more active or intentional process of recollection, whereas "reminding of" is a more passive experience. "The smell of the sea was "calling to mind" past vacations" suggests a deliberate reflection, while "The smell of the sea was "reminding of" past vacations" simply indicates an association.