jumps to mind

USAGE SUMMARY

'jumps to mind' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an idea or thought that comes to mind suddenly. For example: "When I hear the song I love, the memory of my first dance with my wife jumps to mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

That is not the first thing that jumps to mind.

The New Yorker

Read any one of those stories and the word "chaos" jumps to mind.

The Washington Post

Of course, Ryan Coogler, the director of "Black Panther," and "Fruitvale Station," jumps to mind.

The New York Times

"Certainly, nothing jumps to mind that's been as frustrating as the last few days," Agassi said.

The New York Times - Sports

That possibility jumps to mind quickly if the party is held in a hotel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other than his request that we read his lips, not much about this one-termer's character jumps to mind.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A few stories immediately jump to mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Three Cs — O'Connor, Carver, Cheever — jump to mind here.

The New Yorker

Memories of famous bygone millings jump to mind.

The New Yorker

Any sections or writers or pieces that jump to mind?

The New Yorker

If the name Bob Boyett didn't jump to mind, don't feel bad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate; while generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "immediately occurs to me".

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "jumps to mind" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "comes to mind" or "springs to mind" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jumps to mind" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is immediately recalled or thought of. Ludwig provides several examples of its usage in varied contexts. It suggests a quick and spontaneous recollection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "jumps to mind" is a grammatically correct and common idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is immediately recalled or thought of. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is frequent in news and media, conveying spontaneity and immediacy. While versatile, consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "immediately occurs to me" in professional settings. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase and explore synonyms like "comes to mind" or "springs to mind" for varied writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

springs to mind

This alternative uses "springs" implying a sudden and energetic emergence of a thought.

comes to mind

A more general and direct way of saying something is remembered or thought of.

pops into my head

This is more informal, suggesting a quick and perhaps unexpected thought.

immediately occurs to me

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the immediacy of the thought.

flashes into consciousness

This suggests a sudden and vivid realization.

strikes me

Indicates a thought that suddenly and forcefully comes to one's attention.

is my first thought

Highlights that it's the initial idea conceived.

I immediately think of

Directly expresses the act of thinking about something right away.

is the first thing I remember

Focuses on the memory aspect, highlighting the initial recollection.

enters my thoughts

A more literary way of saying a thought has appeared.

FAQs

How can I use "jumps to mind" in a sentence?

You can use "jumps to mind" to indicate an immediate thought or association. For example, "When I think of summer, the beach immediately "comes to mind", much like the phrase "jumps to mind" itself."

What's a more formal alternative to "jumps to mind"?

For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "immediately occurs to me" or "comes to mind", which convey a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to say "jump to my mind" instead of "jumps to mind"?

The correct and more idiomatic expression is "jumps to mind". Saying "jump to my mind" is grammatically awkward and not commonly used.

What's the difference between "jumps to mind" and "comes to mind"?

While both phrases indicate a thought or idea appearing in your consciousness, "jumps to mind" implies a more sudden and immediate appearance compared to the more general "comes to mind".