it opened my mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it opened my mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where you had a realization or gained insight or understanding. For example: After reading the book, I was able to see the issue from another perspective - it opened my mind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

More importantly, the entire experience of pursuing this dream was life-changing for the director: "it opened my mind to different ways of seeing".

Huffington Post

It opened my mind to what a film could do.

Independent

This opened my eyes and it opened my mind".

The Guardian - Books

It opened my mind up to the bigger picture".

The Guardian - Sport

The money was not good, but it opened my mind.

The Guardian - Music

Macbeth: it opened my mind to poetry and to songwriting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

These recent moves are unsurprisingly considering that Tech In Asia has been incubated at Y Combinator — "it really opened my mind, I'm so grateful," Tech In Asia founder Willis Wee told TechCrunch in a brief interview.

TechCrunch

In terms of my career as a film-maker, it completely opened my mind; it set the bar way up there, to a height I'm guaranteed never to reach in my lifetime.

The Guardian - Film

Of making "The Overnight," she said, "I'm supposed to be very open-minded because I'm French, but it totally opened my mind, actually".

Los Angeles Times

It totally opened my mind to sequencing and editing".

The New York Times - Tech

"It really opened my mind that you don't need to be a politician to work for peace".But the program drew criticism and threats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it opened my mind" when describing a specific experience or event that significantly altered your understanding or perspective. Ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it opened my mind" without clearly establishing what 'it' refers to. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact. Always ensure the antecedent is clear to maintain clarity and prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it opened my mind" functions as a statement expressing a personal transformation in understanding or perspective. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage across various contexts to convey a significant shift in one's mindset.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Huffington Post

5%

Los Angeles Times

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it opened my mind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a transformative experience or newfound understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and personal reflections. While its register is generally neutral, ensure clarity by providing a clear antecedent for 'it'. Consider alternatives like "it broadened my perspective" or "it gave me a new understanding" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "it opened my mind" to convey significant shifts in perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it broadened my perspective

Focuses on expanding one's viewpoint rather than specifically mentioning a change in mindset.

it gave me a new understanding

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge or insight.

it changed my way of thinking

Highlights the transformation in thought processes.

it enlightened me

Suggests a sudden realization or awakening.

it made me see things differently

Focuses on altered perception.

it expanded my horizons

Indicates a widening of one's range of experiences and understanding.

it offered me a new perspective

Emphasizes the act of offering a new point of view.

it provided me with insight

Highlights the provision of a deeper understanding.

it made me more aware

Focuses on increased consciousness or knowledge of something.

it revolutionized my thinking

Suggests a complete and fundamental change in thought.

FAQs

What does "it opened my mind" mean?

The phrase "it opened my mind" means that something caused you to have a new understanding, perspective, or way of thinking about something. It suggests a significant shift in your mindset.

How can I use "it opened my mind" in a sentence?

You can use "it opened my mind" to describe an experience that changed your perspective. For example, "Reading that book really "opened my mind" to different cultures."

What are some alternatives to saying "it opened my mind"?

Alternatives to "it opened my mind" include phrases like "it broadened my perspective", "it gave me a new understanding", or "it changed my way of thinking". You can also say "it enlightened me" or "it made me see things differently".

Is "it opened my mind" a formal or informal expression?

"It opened my mind" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in very formal academic or professional writing, more precise language might be preferred.