draw to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw to mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the act of recalling or remembering something. Example: "The smell of fresh cookies always draws to mind memories of my grandmother's kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the event that a corrector corners you and attacks your use of a word or phrase for which you do not have a historical precedent that you can draw to mind, do not despair — you can always claim that Shakespeare used it thusly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that in itself draws to mind the same weekend here in Monza 10 years ago.

The New York Times

There are no obvious – literal – images that are drawn to mind (apart from a metaphorical image like a dove perhaps) yet you are able to understand and imagine what peace is.

BBC

Such neglect draws to mind the principle of the drunkard's search, quoted by Abraham Kaplan in his classic work on The Conduct of Inquiry (1964).

HuffPost

And that draws to mind parallels with...I mean obviously you've worked on episodic television with procedurals and things like that.

HuffPost

Beyoncé's use of intertextuality, be it sonic or lyrical, draws to mind the work of Blood Orange's Dev Hynes.

Vice

I want to scream with her, for her, and for all the things it draws to mind of people's stories and politician's misunderstandings, but I'm driving in the dark, feeling cold, seeing snow on the trees.

Huffington Post

When you leave the main room, there's an air of confusion about the line for the bar and the line for the men's restroom, drawing to mind a mildly unpleasant parallel that the one body function precedes the other.

Vice

Unbeaten Cleverly refused to be drawn in to mind games, instead promising to make Krasniqi his 26th victim and take a step closer to securing a unification showdown with Bernard Hopkins.

BBC

— Major Briggs's drawing calls to mind the brand or tattoo on the Log Lady's leg, which resembles two mountains (they're a bit craggier than the simple triangles in his drawing).

Vice

Closer and closer Mason would draw to it in his mind, until finally he was in Urbana, and Alma Mater was standing with arms outstretched.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw to mind" when you want to express a spontaneous or natural recollection, especially when something evokes a particular thought or memory.

Common error

While "draw to mind" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "bring to mind" or "evoke" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw to mind" functions as a phrasal verb, expressing the action of something causing a thought or memory to be recalled. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show its usage in expressing spontaneous recollections.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw to mind" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe how something evokes a memory or thought. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable, although slightly less frequent in formal contexts. While its usage is relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys the spontaneous nature of recalling memories and can be replaced by alternatives such as "bring to mind" or "evoke" depending on the desired level of formality. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage spans multiple contexts but less frequently appears in Academia and Formal contexts. When using "draw to mind", ensure it aligns with the intended tone of your writing, considering a more formal substitute for professional or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring to mind

A common synonym, focusing on the act of causing a memory or thought to occur.

call to mind

Very similar to "draw to mind", highlighting the act of actively remembering something.

evoke

Emphasizes the power of something to summon a feeling, memory, or image.

remind one of

Focuses on the associative aspect, where something makes you think of something else.

conjure up

Suggests a more vivid and imaginative recollection.

put in mind

Implies that something causes a particular thought to come to your attention.

elicit

Highlights the act of obtaining a response, feeling, or memory from someone.

awaken memories of

Specifically refers to the stimulation of past experiences.

recollect

Focuses on the conscious effort of remembering something.

remember

A basic synonym emphasizing the act of keeping something in your memory.

FAQs

What does "draw to mind" mean?

The phrase "draw to mind" means to cause a memory, thought, or image to come into your consciousness or awareness.

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

You can use "draw to mind" when describing something that triggers a specific memory or association. For instance, "The smell of rain always draws to mind my childhood summers."

What are some alternatives to "draw to mind"?

Alternatives include "bring to mind", "call to mind", or "evoke". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "draw to mind" formal or informal?

The phrase "draw to mind" leans towards a slightly less formal register. In academic or professional writing, consider alternatives like "bring to mind" for a more polished tone.