calls to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"calls to mind" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that reminds or evokes a memory, thought, or feeling in a person. Example: "The smell of freshly baked cookies calls to mind memories of my grandmother's kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It calls to mind Francis Bacon's so-called "screaming pope" paintings.

The New York Times - Arts

Even the title calls to mind his nickname, "Thorpedo".

Independent

Once constructed, it calls to mind a Philip Treacy hat.

The New York Times

Perry's tone calls to mind a Tom Clancy novel.

The New Yorker

The word "hacker" calls to mind two stereotypes.

The New York Times - Tech

A touching nostalgia calls to mind Edward Hopper.

The New York Times - Arts

A slightly melancholy emotional distance calls to mind Edward Hopper.

The New York Times

An unassuming buoyancy calls to mind early Elizabeth Murray Johnsonn).

The New York Times - Arts

It calls to mind both the unparalleled power of stories and their limitations.

The New York Times - Books

Traditional comedies have a sleekness that calls to mind the typewriter.

The New Yorker

Its stylistic and psychological realism calls to mind Dutch contemporaries like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calls to mind" when you want to subtly suggest a connection or evoke a specific feeling, memory, or association in the reader's mind. It's more nuanced than a direct comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "calls to mind" repeatedly within the same paragraph or section. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "reminds one of", "evokes", or "brings to mind" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calls to mind" functions as a phrasal verb. It serves to create a connection between a subject and a related memory, feeling, or idea. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used, effectively bridging the present and the past or imagined, as seen in numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Arts

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calls to mind" is a commonly used phrasal verb that evokes memories, feelings, or ideas, as validated by Ludwig AI. Functioning to create connections between different concepts, it subtly suggests similarities and associations. The phrase is predominantly found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for a wide audience. While grammatically sound and versatile, remember to use it judiciously to prevent redundancy and maintain reader engagement. Exploring alternatives like "brings to mind" or "evokes" can enhance your writing's nuance and sophistication. The high frequency in reputable sources confirms its reliability and appropriateness across diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brings to mind

Uses 'brings' instead of 'calls', maintaining the same core meaning.

reminds one of

Directly states the act of reminding, suitable for various contexts.

evokes

A more concise and formal alternative, focusing on the act of eliciting a feeling or memory.

is evocative of

Focuses on the power to evoke emotions or memories.

is reminiscent of

A more literary and sophisticated way to express similarity and recall.

conjures up

Emphasizes the act of creating a vivid image or memory.

suggests

Implies a connection or association, often used for more subtle links.

bears a resemblance to

Highlights the similarity in appearance or nature.

makes you think of

An informal and conversational alternative.

summons to the imagination

A more elaborate and descriptive phrase for evoking mental imagery.

FAQs

What does "calls to mind" mean?

The phrase "calls to mind" means to bring a memory, idea, or feeling into your consciousness. It suggests a connection or association between something present and something remembered or imagined.

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

You can use "calls to mind" to describe something that reminds you of something else. For example, "The melody "calls to mind" a peaceful summer evening".

What are some alternatives to "calls to mind"?

Alternatives to "calls to mind" include "reminds one of", "evokes", "brings to mind", "is reminiscent of", and "suggests". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "calls to mind" formal or informal?

"Calls to mind" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, more formal alternatives like "is reminiscent of" might be preferred in highly academic or professional contexts.