in two minds about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in two minds about' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express when one is unsure or undecided about something. For example, "I am in two minds about whether or not to go on holiday this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm in two minds about this.

Independent

In two minds about antisemitism?

The Guardian - Music

"I'm in two minds about today's game.

The Guardian - Sport

The fantasy gang are in two minds about Garth.

Independent

I am in two minds about all this.

The New Yorker

I'm always in two minds about Holocaust literature.

The Guardian - Books

The band themselves are in two minds about it.

The Guardian - Music

You might find yourselves in two minds about it.

The Guardian - Music

"I am very much in two minds about the documentary.

The Guardian - Books

"Of course, we're in two minds about it.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

People appear to be 'in two minds' about cancer.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in two minds about", ensure the context clearly indicates what the conflicting options or considerations are. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "in two minds about" is widely accepted, it is not always appropriate for highly formal or technical writing. In such cases, opt for alternatives like "undecided regarding" or "ambivalent toward" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in two minds about" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a state of indecision or uncertainty. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Music

9%

Books

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in two minds about" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a state of indecision or uncertainty. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely accepted and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it may be less suitable for formal or scientific writing, several alternative phrases, like "undecided about" or "wavering on", can be used to express a similar sentiment with a different tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what the conflicting options or considerations are.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undecided about

Focuses directly on the state of not having made a decision.

wavering on

Emphasizes the fluctuating nature of one's opinion or stance.

unsure about

Highlights a lack of certainty or confidence regarding a particular matter.

ambivalent toward

Indicates mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.

torn between

Suggests a difficult choice between two options, causing internal conflict.

on the fence about

Implies a neutral or undecided position, often awaiting more information.

sitting on the fence regarding

More idiomatic version of 'on the fence', extending the image.

having doubts about

Focuses on the presence of uncertainty and reservations.

conflicted over

Points out internal struggles or disagreements related to a decision.

hesitant about

Highlights the reluctance or unwillingness to proceed without full conviction.

FAQs

What does "in two minds about" mean?

The expression "in two minds about" means being uncertain or undecided about something, often implying conflicting opinions or feelings.

What can I say instead of "in two minds about"?

You can use alternatives like "undecided about", "wavering on", or "unsure about" depending on the context.

How can I use "in two minds about" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "I'm in two minds about whether to accept the job offer or continue searching for a better opportunity."

Is "in two minds about" formal or informal?

While widely used and accepted, "in two minds about" leans toward a neutral to slightly informal register. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "ambivalent toward" or expressing the indecision more directly.