change of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"change of mind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which someone has had a reversal in their opinion or decision about something. For example, "After thinking it over, I had a change of mind and decided not to move abroad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By changing light on a character, a cameraman can imply decision or a change of mind.

The New Yorker

This has prompted a change of mind.

The Economist

They never explained their change of mind.

The New York Times

A change of mind is always possible.

The Guardian

Maybe someone had a change of mind.

The Washington Post

The UN has been dismayed by France's change of mind.

The Economist

Apparently Justice Scalia had a change of mind.

The New York Times

However, the government's junior coalition partner, New Komeito, is upset at Mr Aso's change of mind.

The Economist

But recent figures show a sudden change of mind among retail investors.

The New York Times

Only one of his amendments suggests a change of mind on his own part.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The current system also avoids the change-of-mind syndrome.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure the context clearly indicates who is having the "change of mind" and what the initial decision/opinion was.

Common error

The phrase "change of mind" is typically used in the singular, even if multiple people are involved. The plural, "changes of minds", is less common and often sounds awkward. Reframe the sentence to avoid the plural or use "shift in opinion" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change of mind" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It denotes the act of altering one's decision or opinion. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "change of mind" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of altering one's decision or opinion. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, with News & Media being the most frequent. While versatile, consider more formal synonyms like "revised stance" in professional settings. Being aware of its common usage and available alternatives ensures effective communication. Ludwig AI correctly identifies this as a usable phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second thought

Implies a reflection that leads to a different conclusion.

shift in opinion

Highlights the altered viewpoint rather than the decision.

reversal of opinion

Emphasizes a complete turnaround in perspective.

revised stance

Refers to an updated or modified position on a particular issue.

altered decision

Focuses specifically on the decision itself being modified.

rethinking

Highlights the process of re-evaluating an idea or plan.

reconsideration

Focuses on the act of thinking again about something.

new perspective

Emphasizes a fresh viewpoint or understanding.

about-face

Implies a sudden and dramatic change in position or direction.

turnaround

Suggests a change in fortune or direction, often in a business context.

FAQs

How can I use "change of mind" in a sentence?

You can use "change of mind" to describe someone altering their opinion or decision, like: "After considering the new evidence, the jury had a "change of mind" and acquitted the defendant."

What's the difference between "change of mind" and "second thought"?

"Change of mind" indicates a complete shift in decision or opinion, while "second thought" implies a reconsideration that may or may not lead to a "change of mind".

What can I say instead of "change of mind"?

Alternatives include "shift in opinion", "reversal of opinion", or "altered decision", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "change of mind" formal or informal?

"Change of mind" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, phrases like "revised stance" might be preferred.