mind whirring

USAGE SUMMARY

"mind whirring" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is generally used to describe the process of rapidly thinking and working out new ideas. For example, "She stared at the sky, her mind whirring as she tried to come up with a solution to her problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He held it, his mind whirring with curiosity.

The New Yorker

I think his mad footnotes are there because he can't stop his mind whirring, and our whirring minds go with him.

The Guardian - Books

You can almost hear her mind whirring: She's amazed at how easy it was to snatch Denver away from the Obama saps.

The New York Times

Where did you say you hid the TV?" I could see her mind whirring as she began to figure out just what type of character she had on her hands... single, unemployed, not going out much, reading instead.

The New York Times - Magazine

It seems that the merest expectation of hearing something spooky can set your mind whirring.

BBC

Three days of shows have already set the mind whirring with ideas.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

His mind whirred with criminal scenarios.

The New York Times

The mind whirrs away, and soon enough the demystification begins.

The Guardian - Film

Her mind whirrs on a thousand tangents at once, like an intricate timepiece.

Vice

As I listened my mind whirred into action, trying to think of what I could do help her out.

HuffPost

Can any other teams (international or otherwise) make up the name of an aquatic mammal?" Who would have thought that such a question would get the knowledge readers' minds whirring so frenziedly - even if few of you managed to stick to the aquatic mammal specification?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mind whirring" to vividly depict a character's intense mental activity, especially when they are problem-solving or experiencing a rush of thoughts.

Common error

While "mind whirring" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal writing where a more neutral or precise description of cognitive processes may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mind whirring" functions as a descriptive element, often used to depict a character's internal state or to add vividness to a narrative. It illustrates a state of intense and rapid thought processing. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mind whirring" is a grammatically sound phrase effectively used to describe a state of rapid and intense thought. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While versatile, it is most frequently found in News & Media, making it appropriate for general and journalistic contexts but potentially less suitable for formal academic or scientific writing. Alternatives like "thinking rapidly" or "thoughts racing" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its descriptive power in conveying a sense of active mental processing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoughts racing

Emphasizes the speed and intensity of thoughts, suggesting a lack of control.

mind racing

This phrase uses the same concept as "thoughts racing", but replaces it with the subject of the sentence, which is the mind.

thinking rapidly

Describes the speed of thought, focusing on the quickness of mental processing.

deep in thought

Focuses on the intensity of the thoughts, but replaces it with an idiom.

brainstorming

This single word denotes a group creativity technique by which efforts are made to find a conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by its members.

considering intently

Highlights the depth and focus of the thought process.

pondering intensely

Focuses on the depth and seriousness of the thought process.

actively thinking

Focuses on the engagement and effort in the thinking process.

contemplating deeply

Suggests a more reflective and profound level of thought.

actively processing

Highlights the mind's active work of analyzing and understanding information.

FAQs

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

You can use "mind whirring" to describe someone who is thinking very quickly or is full of ideas. For example, "Her mind was whirring as she tried to solve the complex puzzle."

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

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "actively "thinking"", "actively processing", or "considering intently".

Is it appropriate to use "mind whirring" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "mind whirring" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and neutral language to describe cognitive processes.

What does "mind whirring" imply about the person's state of mind?

The phrase "mind whirring" implies that a person is experiencing a rapid succession of thoughts, often associated with problem-solving, creativity, or anxiety. It suggests a state of intense mental activity.