different in mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different in mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that two or more people have varying thoughts, opinions, or perspectives on a particular subject. Example: "While we both agree on the project's goals, we are different in mind regarding the approach to achieve them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Miranda had something different in mind.

The New Yorker

He had something entirely different in mind.

The New York Times - Books

Now Hafez had something different in mind.

The New Yorker

But now he had something entirely different in mind.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Rupert has something a little different in mind, however.

The New York Times

But when computer scientists use the term, they often have something very different in mind.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Different respondents, however, often had different applications in mind when speaking of susceptibility.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Different people might have had different activities in mind when considering medical and clinical research.

BMJ Open

The two companies are tackling different pieces of the puzzle and have different clients in mind.

TechCrunch

Many different people need to access a business account with different needs in mind.

TechCrunch

Have a different idea in mind?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different in mind" to clearly indicate a divergence of thoughts, intentions, or perspectives between individuals or entities. It can add nuance when discussing disagreements or variations in approach.

Common error

While "different in mind" is acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "divergent perspectives" or "contrasting viewpoints" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different in mind" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of differing thoughts, intentions, or perspectives. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for expressing divergent viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different in mind" is a grammatically correct and versatile way to express a divergence in thoughts, intentions, or perspectives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. While more formal alternatives exist, it remains a useful phrase in neutral and even some professional settings. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it effectively conveys that individuals or groups hold contrasting ideas or intentions, adding nuance to discussions where agreement on a goal exists, but approaches differ. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for more precise language when formality demands it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of another opinion

Emphasizes a difference in viewpoint or judgment.

having a contrary view

Highlights an opposing or contrasting perspective.

with divergent perspectives

Focuses on the variety and separation of different viewpoints.

thinking along different lines

Indicates a difference in the process or direction of thought.

holding dissimilar views

Highlights the lack of similarity between viewpoints.

harboring alternative intentions

Emphasizes a difference in purpose or goals.

operating under a different assumption

Focuses on differences in underlying beliefs or presuppositions.

possessing contrasting ideas

Highlights the opposition or contradiction between ideas.

conceiving it differently

Focuses on a differing understanding or interpretation.

imagining things otherwise

Emphasizes a difference in vision or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "different in mind" in a sentence?

You can use "different in mind" to express that people have varying thoughts or intentions. For instance, "While they agreed on the objective, they were "different in mind" about how to achieve it."

What's a more formal way to say "different in mind"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "divergent perspectives", "contrasting viewpoints", or "dissimilar opinions" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is "different in mind" grammatically correct?

Yes, "different in mind" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

When is it best to use "different in mind" over other similar phrases?

Use "different in mind" when you want to emphasize a difference in the internal thoughts or intentions of individuals or groups. It's particularly useful when the difference is not just in opinion, but in the underlying mental processes or objectives. It's more emphatic than a general "different opinion".