in their minds

USAGE SUMMARY

"in their minds" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to ideas, opinions, or memories that exist in somebody's thoughts. For example, "The students were confident that they would pass the exam, although doubts lingered in their minds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's in their minds.

The New York Times

It's still in their minds.

The Guardian

"Often in their minds, it's not abortion".

The New York Times

We don't know what's in their minds.

The New York Times

Making money is uppermost in their minds.

The New Yorker

In their minds it represents absolute evil.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It wasn't an asset in their minds".

The New York Times - Tech

It's always fresh in their minds".

The New York Times

"People still have an iron curtain in their minds".

The New York Times

That's how the place is formed in their minds.

The New Yorker

Count on the 2013 election's being uppermost in their minds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in their minds" to clearly indicate that you are referring to someone's internal thoughts, beliefs, or understanding, rather than an objective reality. This is especially useful when contrasting subjective perceptions with objective facts.

Common error

Avoid assuming you know exactly what others are thinking. While "in their minds" suggests an interpretation, ensure it's supported by evidence or context to avoid misrepresenting their actual thoughts or intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their minds" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the location of thoughts, ideas, or perceptions. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in their minds" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the location of thoughts, beliefs, or perceptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. With a neutral register, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, from news reporting to academic discussions. Related phrases like "in their thinking" or "from their perspective" offer subtle variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, remember to provide context and avoid making unsubstantiated assumptions about what others are thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their thinking

Focuses more directly on the process of thought rather than the location of the idea.

according to their beliefs

Emphasizes the role of pre-existing beliefs in shaping their thoughts.

in their perception

Highlights how they interpret information and experiences.

from their perspective

Focuses on their point of view and how it influences their understanding.

as they see it

A more informal way of expressing their viewpoint or interpretation.

in their estimation

Highlights their judgment or assessment of a situation.

to their way of thinking

Similar to "in their thinking" but emphasizes a particular method or approach.

within their understanding

Focuses on the limits of their knowledge or comprehension.

by their reckoning

Implies a calculation or assessment based on their own criteria.

in their view

A general way of expressing their opinion or perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "in their minds" in a sentence?

You can use "in their minds" to describe someone's thoughts, perceptions, or beliefs about something. For example, "The solution seemed obvious "in their minds", but they struggled to articulate it".

What are some alternatives to "in their minds"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in their thinking", "according to their beliefs", or "from their perspective".

Is it better to say "in their mind" or "in their minds"?

"In their minds" is generally preferred when referring to a collective group or multiple individuals. "In their mind" could be used when referring to a single individual's thoughts.

How does "in their minds" differ from "in reality"?

"In their minds" refers to a subjective understanding or belief, while "in reality" refers to the objective truth or factual situation. These phrases are often used to contrast perception with fact.