mentally sound

USAGE SUMMARY

"mentally sound" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person's mental state or condition, indicating that they are mentally stable, healthy, and functioning well. Example: The judge determined that the defendant was mentally sound and fit to stand trial for his crimes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The prolonged isolation, extremes of hot and cold temperatures, interminable stretches of monotony punctuated by flashes of explosive violence can throw even the most mentally sound off balance and quickly overcome those whose mental grip is already tenuous.

The New York Times

"We always we work on the mentality of the players because they need to be mentally sound heading into matches like the Tunisia game.

BBC

He dismissed questions about therapy, saying that he is "mentally sound".

The New York Times

In psychiatric evaluations, Mr. Perez was found mentally sound enough to stand trial.

The New York Times

Over time, his colleagues began to wonder if Mahmood was mentally sound.

The New York Times

When told how physically well and mentally sound he appeared, he joked, "Well, I used to be taller".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

At issue is the narrowness of the proposed law, which restricts medically-assisted death to mentally-sound adults over 18 who have a "serious and incurable illness, disease or disability" and voluntarily consent to die.

Vice

If your friend is a great listener, discreet, trustworthy, reliable, non-judgmental, supportive and mentally healthy, then this friend sounds like the ideal person to share your concerns with.

WikiHow

As a result, dyslexics make lots of mistakes when mentally converting sounds to letters and letters to sounds.This suggests that children might learn to read better if they could be taught to hear better.

The Economist

But others have argued that blind people can mentally map sounds perfectly well, because their brain compensates for a lack of vision by rewiring the visual cortex to help interpret sounds.

Science Magazine

I just know that the guy looks great, talks great, mentally he sounds sharp.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mentally sound" to describe a person's overall mental state, particularly when confirming their ability to make rational decisions or function normally in society.

Common error

While a person who is "mentally sound" is capable of rational thought, the phrase primarily refers to their mental health and stability, not their intellectual capacity. Reserve "intelligent", "smart", or "bright" for describing someone's cognitive abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mentally sound" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun (usually a person) to describe their mental condition. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates a state of mental stability and health.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mentally sound" is a commonly used adjective phrase to describe someone who is mentally stable and healthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, including news, legal, and medical settings. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects the individual's mental state and isn't confused with intelligence or other cognitive abilities. Alternative phrases like "of sound mind" or "mentally stable" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of sound mind

Emphasizes the legal and rational aspect of mental competence.

mentally stable

Highlights the steadiness and lack of disturbance in one's mental state.

mentally healthy

Focuses on the overall well-being and absence of mental illness.

psychologically balanced

Indicates equilibrium and stability in one's psychological makeup.

compos mentis

A formal, often legal term, signifying mental competence and control.

in one's right mind

Suggests rationality and good judgment.

mentally robust

Indicates strength and resilience in one's mental capacity.

having a clear mind

Emphasizes the clarity and absence of confusion in one's thoughts.

sane

A straightforward term indicating the absence of mental disorder.

rational

Highlights the capacity for logical thought and reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "mentally sound" in a sentence?

You can use "mentally sound" to describe someone's mental state. For instance, "The doctor confirmed that the patient was "mentally sound" and capable of making their own decisions".

What's the difference between "mentally sound" and "of sound mind"?

While similar, "mentally sound" generally describes a state of mental well-being, whereas "of sound mind" often has legal implications, referring to someone's capacity to manage their affairs or make informed decisions.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "mentally sound"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "mentally stable", "mentally healthy", or "psychologically balanced".

Is it appropriate to use "mentally sound" in formal writing?

Yes, "mentally sound" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe someone's mental condition without being overly technical or clinical. However, ensure that the context warrants such a description.