mental thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mental thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is related to the mind or mental processes, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I think it's just a mental thing; once I get over my nerves, I'll perform much better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a mental thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's just a mental thing.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not a mental thing.

Independent

"It's probably a mental thing".

The New York Times - Sports

"They are kind of a mental thing".

The New York Times - Sports

It's definitely a mental thing.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a mental thing, absolutely.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a mental thing, really," Hibbert said.

The New York Times - Sports

Now it's a more a mental thing".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was kind of a mental thing".

The New York Times

The consensus instead is that it is a mental thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mental thing" when referring to something that is primarily influenced by mindset, psychology, or cognitive processes. It's suitable for informal contexts where a more technical term isn't necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "mental thing" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "psychological factor" or "cognitive aspect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental thing" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes something abstract related to cognitive or psychological processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental thing" is a noun phrase used to describe something related to the mind or psychological processes. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid and common expression, particularly in News & Media. While grammatically correct, it's more suited for informal contexts and should be replaced with more precise terms like "psychological factor" or "cognitive aspect" in formal writing. When using "mental thing", consider its potential overuse and ensure the context aligns with its informal tone. Be sure not to overuse it in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

psychological factor

Replaces "thing" with "factor", highlighting the psychological influence.

cognitive aspect

Substitutes "mental" with "cognitive" for a more formal tone, emphasizing the mental processes involved.

psychological element

Replaces "thing" with "element" indicating a component of a situation is psychological.

cognitive component

Similar to 'cognitive aspect' but emphasizes the role as a part of something larger.

matter of mindset

Focuses on the role of one's attitude or way of thinking.

issue of psychology

Shifts the focus to psychology as a whole.

state of mind

Focuses on the current condition of someone's thoughts or feelings.

psychological construct

Highlights a concept created to explain psychological phenomena.

cognitive process

Highlights a the specific mental operations.

mental calculation

Highlights a particular process inside the mind.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "mental thing" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can replace "mental thing" with phrases like "psychological factor", "cognitive aspect", or "matter of mindset".

Is "mental thing" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "mental thing" is generally too informal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal terms like "psychological construct" or "cognitive process".

What does it mean when someone says something is a "mental thing"?

It typically means that the situation, problem, or solution is primarily related to one's mindset, attitude, or psychological state rather than physical factors.

Which is more accurate, "mental thing" or "psychological issue"?

The choice depends on the context. "Mental thing" is more general and informal. "Psychological issue" is more specific and suggests a problem or challenge related to mental health or psychology.