ingenious mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ingenious mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is exceptionally clever or inventive in their thinking or problem-solving abilities. Example: "Her ingenious mind led to the development of a groundbreaking solution for the environmental crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This ingenious mind and precocious intelligence were allied with an intense love of solitude.

The New York Times - Books

In his 40s, he was a bustling, jovial man with a plain face and a busy and ingenious mind.

The Guardian - Books

One artist who tried to systematize the use of the fortuitous mark was the English landscape painter Alexander Cozens, whose 1785 how-to manual, "A New Method of Assisting the Invention in Drawing Original Compositions of Landscape," recommends covering the page with random ink blots, "to draw forth ideas of an ingenious mind disposed to the art of designing".

The New York Times - Arts

Adenauer had an ingenious mind - an inventive mind - and researched ways of substituting available materials for scarce items, such as meat.

BBC

He has a tremendously creative, ingenious mind when it comes to football.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The five films that fall between "Crash" and "Naked Lunch" in IFC's midnight series — "Spider" (2002), "The Fly" (1986), "eXistenZ" (1999), "The Dead Zone" (1983) and "Videodrome" (1983) — show Mr. Cronenberg at or near his best, as a creator of ingenious, mind-bending, sometimes mordantly funny horror.

The New York Times

To quell boredom, their ingenious minds are working out their next piece of performance art.

The New York Times - Sports

The cinema of the future Alain de Botton | School Of Life | 23 July 2014 Film is for us what theatre was in the age of Shakespeare or painting was in the days of Leonardo da Vinci: the art form with the biggest impact, the largest budgets, the most ingenious minds at work.

BBC

So there are plenty of ingenious minds out there that are at work finding ways in which they can wreak terror upon other nations.

Huffington Post

The same ingenious compositional mind is present in each work; the same penchant for ruminative lyricism, searching harmony, skittish rhythmic writing and industrious counterpoint; the same mix of angst, elegance and humor.

The New York Times - Arts

Ingenious creative minds often come with eccentric habits; Van Gogh was said to nibble on and even eat his own paintings, and novelist Honoré de Balzac worked from 12AM to 6PM and drank upwards of 50 cups of coffee daily.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's innovative problem-solving skills, using "ingenious mind" can add emphasis and admiration to their capabilities. Ensure the context highlights their creativity and cleverness.

Common error

Avoid using "ingenious mind" when describing everyday problem-solving. Reserve it for situations where the thinking genuinely demonstrates exceptional creativity and insight, ensuring it remains impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ingenious mind" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "ingenious" modifies the noun "mind". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is often used to characterize individuals possessing exceptional creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ingenious mind" is deemed grammatically correct and usable, according to Ludwig. It serves to describe an individual with exceptional cleverness and inventive thinking, often in problem-solving scenarios. While the phrase is not overly common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in "News & Media". The sources utilizing this phrase are generally reputable, lending credibility to its usage. When writing, consider using it to highlight unique and creative problem-solving skills, but avoid overuse in scenarios that don't require exceptional ingenuity. Alternatives such as ""brilliant intellect"" or ""creative genius"" may provide similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingenious thinker

Replaces "mind" with a more general term for a person.

inventive intellect

Focuses on the person's capacity for invention and innovation.

gifted intellect

Emphasizes that the person's intelligence is a natural talent.

brilliant intellect

Uses a stronger adjective to emphasize the person's intelligence.

innovative thinker

Replaces "mind" with a more general term for a person.

creative genius

Highlights the person's creative abilities.

astute intellect

Indicates a perceptive and insightful mind.

clever intellect

Replaces "ingenious mind" with a more general term for intelligence.

resourceful intellect

Emphasizes the person's ability to find solutions to problems.

sharp intellect

Highlights the keenness and quickness of the mind.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with an "ingenious mind"?

You can describe someone with an "ingenious mind" as having a "clever intellect", being an "innovative thinker", or possessing a "brilliant intellect".

Is it appropriate to use "ingenious mind" in formal writing?

Yes, "ingenious mind" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to emphasize someone's exceptional intelligence and creativity, particularly in problem-solving or innovation. However, consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What is a more common alternative to "ingenious mind"?

A more common alternative to "ingenious mind" is "creative genius", which is widely understood and used in various contexts. Another option is to refer to someone as an "ingenious thinker".

How does "ingenious mind" differ from "intelligent mind"?

"Ingenious mind" implies not only intelligence but also creativity and inventiveness in problem-solving. While an "intelligent mind" simply denotes a high level of cognitive ability, an "ingenious mind" suggests a talent for clever and original solutions.