frail mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frail mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose mental capacity or resilience is perceived as weak or fragile. Example: "After years of stress and anxiety, he felt that his frail mind could no longer handle the pressures of daily life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Prosecutors have charged Mr. Marshall, 85, and Mr. Morrissey, 66, with taking advantage of Mrs. Astor's frail mind — she had been found to have Alzheimer's disease — to trick her into changing her will.

The New York Times

As a later government brief in the case pointed out, Klein, when discussing his Medicare patients, "referred to a Yiddish word 'alta cocka,' which is an old person of frail mind, to describe the patients and that these people were easily swayed into having surgery".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I interviewed him for this paper in 2012; though he was physically frail, his mind never stopped whirling ahead, dreaming, creating, determined.

Independent

For six years, the lanky 35-year-old welder had coped with a frail state of mind.

The Washington Post

Mr. Hirschhorn wears a hearing aid and he is frail, although his mind is sharp, so he feels the pain brought on by his wife's dementia.

The New York Times

In 2007, Bettencourt's daughter began legal action claiming that Banier, a Paris socialite and photographer, befriended her ageing mother and taken advantage of her frail state of mind to persuade her to give him more than €1bn in artworks, insurance policies and cash.

The Guardian

This was the time of day they talked the most, when Teacher Fei knew that although his mother's body was frail and her mind tangled by memories, she was still the same graceful woman who, with her unhurried storytelling, knew how to take the awkwardness out of a situation in which she had to be cared for by a grown son who had remained a bachelor all his life.

The New Yorker

Sitting in his living room, looking out at the crowd waiting for him in the garden, the former king complains that he's been tired lately, but hopes that he can get more mileage out of his body for the national tour he plans to make in the next few weeks.He may be frail, but his mind is sharp, and his French still impeccable.

The Economist

With palliative and hospice patients, as well as persons with disabilities and frail elderly in mind, it includes training on disaster preparedness for evacuation, homecare, hospice care, and symptom management (Danna et al. 2015).

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Albert Einstein[3] My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive With our frail and feeble minds.

WikiHow

The mind grows frail and needs the familiarity of things to steady our spirit.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "frail mind", ensure the context clearly indicates a state of mental weakness or vulnerability, often associated with age, illness, or trauma. It helps to provide additional context to clarify the specific nature of the frailty.

Common error

Avoid using "frail mind" as a blanket term for any mental difficulty. Be specific about the cognitive or emotional challenges involved, rather than relying on a vague descriptor that may stigmatize or oversimplify the individual's experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frail mind" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "frail" modifies "mind". It describes the state or condition of someone's mental capacity, suggesting weakness or vulnerability, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frail mind" is a phrase used to describe a state of mental vulnerability or diminished capacity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and understandable. While relatively rare in usage, the contexts in which it appears are typically within news, science, and encyclopedia domains. When using the phrase, it's important to be mindful of its implications and consider more specific descriptors when appropriate to avoid generalizations. Alternatives such as "fragile mind" or "declining mental state" may offer subtle differences in meaning. The top authoritative sources using the phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile mind

Replaces "frail" with "fragile", emphasizing the delicacy and vulnerability of the mind.

weakened mind

Focuses on the diminished capacity of the mind.

vulnerable mind

Highlights the susceptibility of the mind to negative influences or damage.

declining mental state

Emphasizes the process of mental deterioration.

impaired cognition

Uses more formal language to refer to a reduced cognitive ability.

feeble intellect

Replaces "mind" with "intellect", suggesting a weakness in reasoning and understanding.

unstable mental condition

Highlights the lack of mental stability and potential for erratic behavior.

delicate mental health

Emphasizes the sensitivity and need for care regarding mental well-being.

susceptible mind

Focuses on the mind's openness and vulnerability to external influences.

compromised mental capacity

Indicates a reduction in the mind's ability to function effectively.

FAQs

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

You can use "frail mind" to describe someone experiencing mental decline or vulnerability. For example: "The prosecutors argued that the defendant took advantage of the victim's "frail mind" to manipulate her will."

What are some alternatives to "frail mind"?

Alternatives to "frail mind" include "fragile mind", "weakened mind", or "declining mental state", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as having a "frail mind"?

While grammatically correct, describing someone as having a "frail mind" should be done with sensitivity and awareness of the potential for stigmatization. Consider the context and whether a more specific and compassionate description would be more appropriate.

What are the common causes of a "frail mind"?

A "frail mind" can result from various factors, including aging, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injuries, or severe psychological trauma. The specific cause often influences the manifestation and progression of mental frailty.