mind blank

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "mind blank" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use this phrase to describe a situation in which one cannot think or remember something. For example, "I stood there for a few moments, unable to recall what I was supposed to do next - my mind was completely blank."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Travel

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

His tempo was quick, his mind blank.

The New York Times - Sports

She had struggled due to a "mind blank", she said.

The Guardian

Brown paper bags, travelling with families, and keeping your mind "blank" are little more than superstitions.

Independent

Maybe that's the "mind blank" that Rachael Jolley was on about earlier.

The Guardian

The Green leader was humiliated last Tuesday during an interview with LBC's Nick Ferrari, when she experienced what she later described as a "mind blank" and "brain fade".

The Guardian

The Green party leader, Natalie Bennett, conceded she had given an "excruciating" radio interview and attributed her poor performance to a "mind blank" and "mental brain fade" as she launched the party's election campaign.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The mind blanks at this sheer volume of commentary generated with every elapsing second, this unreckonable tonnage of weigh-ins.

The New Yorker

When you experience shock, your mind blanks things out and there are parts of that day I was left on the roadside that I cannot recall.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're still trying to process what happened - and to remember what happened, because your mind blanks things out.

BBC

My mind blanked.

Huffington Post

The only way to overcome mind blanks is to relax the brain from its hysterical state.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mind blank" to describe a temporary inability to recall information or think clearly, often due to stress, shock, or nervousness. It effectively conveys a sense of mental emptiness or temporary cognitive failure.

Common error

While "mind blank" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "memory lapse" or "cognitive block" for a more professional tone in academic or business settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mind blank" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a temporary state of mental emptiness or inability to recall information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Politics

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mind blank" effectively describes a temporary state where one is unable to think clearly or remember something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and audience. In more formal settings, alternatives such as "memory lapse" or "cognitive block" may be more appropriate. Examples from Ludwig show that the phrase is commonly used in news articles, lifestyle content, and general discussions. It is important to ensure the level of formality matches the intended audience and the purpose of the communication. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in very formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental block

Focuses on the obstruction of thought, suggesting a temporary barrier to clear thinking.

brain freeze

Emphasizes the sudden, temporary halt of cognitive function, often due to stress or surprise.

memory lapse

Highlights the failure of memory recall as the primary issue.

cognitive void

Suggests a complete emptiness in thought processes, a more clinical or formal term.

mental vacuum

Similar to cognitive void, but emphasizes the absence of any thought or idea.

sudden amnesia

Implies a brief loss of memory, usually concerning specific events or information.

temporary confusion

Focuses on the state of being disoriented and unable to think clearly.

forgetfulness

A general term for being unable to remember things.

lapse in concentration

Points to a brief period where focus is lost, impacting thought and memory.

momentary oblivion

Highlights a short period of unawareness or forgetfulness.

FAQs

What does "mind blank" mean?

A "mind blank" refers to a temporary state where someone is unable to think clearly or recall information. It's often associated with stress, anxiety, or surprise.

How can I use "mind blank" in a sentence?

You might say, "During the presentation, my "mind went completely blank" and I forgot what to say" or "He stared at the test, his "mind a total blank"".

What are some synonyms for "mind blank"?

Alternatives include "mental block", "brain freeze", or "memory lapse". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

While acceptable in many contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "cognitive block" or "memory lapse" in academic papers or business reports. The phrase "mind blank" is generally considered more informal.