drive the mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive the mind" is not a standard expression in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in a creative or metaphorical sense, perhaps in discussions about stimulating thoughts or ideas. Example: "The artist's work is designed to drive the mind towards new perspectives and insights."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Self-questioning (Chin, 2004) is a powerful linguistic tool used to achieve self-regulation which, in turn, drive the mind to look for patterns, connections, reconcile prior experience or knowledge and make meaning.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here's an analogy that might be useful: Consider the differentiating idea as a nail that you want to drive into the mind.

Forbes

Driving the Teenage Mind Experts say the primary forces shaping teenagers' brand preferences are the Internet and peers, and they are hyper-sensitive to each.

Forbes

He has contrived to use the full power of his office to drive the nation out of its mind.

The New Yorker

"We will make sure that in the markets in which we put the car, the consumer has the basic infrastructure to be able to drive the car with peace of mind and not have to worry".

The New York Times

In order to avoid dwelling on a depressing or disturbing subject — the sort of subject that can keep you from falling back asleep — you concentrate on a subject that is so engrossing that it can drive the depressing subject from your mind.

The New Yorker

Studies show that, when consumers start searching for information, the questions and expectations already in their minds will drive the direction of their search [ 22- 24].

BMC Health Services Research

First, driven by the MinD and MinE proteins, the MinC inhibitor oscillates back and forth between the two polar ends of the cell, taking approximately 1 to 2 minutes per cycle [ 22, 23].

BMC Biology

I would actually see it in my mind and try to drive the ball at the pump house.

BBC

Wangel, her physician husband, sees the power of this: "This hunger for the boundless, the infinite — the unattainable — will finally drive your mind out completely into darkness".

The New Yorker

What I was lucky to have was a bunch of guys, especially the senior guys, who all spoke their mind and drove the team together".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drive the mind" when you want to emphasize a strong, directional influence on thought processes. Consider alternative phrasing if a softer or more nuanced impact is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "drive the mind" in contexts where a gentler approach to influencing thought is more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly aggressive or manipulative in certain situations.

Linguistic Context

Drive the mind functions as a verb phrase, suggesting an action that directs or compels thought. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in contexts involving self-regulation and information seeking.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drive the mind" is a relatively uncommon expression used to convey a strong, directional influence on thought processes. Ludwig AI indicates that it's acceptable but not standard, and is often used in contexts related to self-regulation, learning, and marketing. When using this phrase, consider the context and whether a more nuanced alternative might be more appropriate. The most relevant authoritative sources for examples include The New York Times, Forbes, and The Guardian. While grammatically correct, its infrequency suggests careful consideration of alternative phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stimulate the mind

Focuses on encouraging mental activity and excitement.

influence one's thinking

Highlights the act of affecting someone's thought process.

shape one's thoughts

Emphasizes the molding or forming of ideas.

guide the intellect

Suggests leading or directing mental understanding.

channel one's focus

Implies directing attention towards a specific area.

ignite the imagination

Focuses on sparking creativity and mental imagery.

prompt reflection

Encourages thoughtful consideration and introspection.

foster understanding

Emphasizes developing comprehension and insight.

inspire contemplation

Highlights the act of encouraging deep thought.

mold cognition

Focuses on shaping the mental processes.

FAQs

How can I use "drive the mind" in a sentence?

You can use "drive the mind" to describe something that strongly influences thoughts or directs mental processes. For example, "Self-questioning is a powerful linguistic tool that can "drive the mind" to look for patterns".

What are some alternatives to "drive the mind"?

Alternatives include "stimulate the mind", "influence thinking", or "shape thoughts". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "drive the mind" a common phrase?

No, "drive the mind" is not a very common phrase. It's more often used in specific contexts, such as psychology or education, rather than everyday conversation.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "drive the mind"?

It is appropriate in contexts where you want to express a forceful or directional influence on cognitive processes. Consider using it when discussing techniques or strategies designed to "guide intellect" or "channel focus".