of sound mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of sound mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a person who is mentally competent and able to make decisions and is typically used in legal documents. For example: "This contract is entered into by both parties, of sound mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one of sound mind would participate.

Harvard Business Review

"She is not of sound mind".

The New York Times

She was not altogether of sound mind.

The Guardian - Books

It has to be a settled decision of sound mind.

Independent

"He certainly was of sound mind at the time".

The New York Times

Mujibullah insists that his sister was of sound mind.

The New York Times

Still, nobody of sound mind is writing him off.

The Guardian - Sport

Surely nobody of sound mind actually takes it seriously?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Is it, in fact, Whistler rather than Morgan who's not of sound mind?

The Guardian - Books

Although ostensibly of sound mind, Mr. Gibbs appears to dote on artworks that depict madness.

The New York Times

All Parisians of sound mind and body hate pigeons, on principle and by vocation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly supports the claim that someone is "of sound mind", and avoid using it without sufficient evidence or professional assessment.

Common error

Avoid casually stating that someone is "of sound mind" without a professional evaluation, as this phrase carries significant legal and ethical weight. Instead, describe observable behaviors that suggest rationality and coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of sound mind" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, typically a person, to indicate their mental competence and rationality. Ludwig examples show it is used to describe individuals who are capable of making informed decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of sound mind" is a common expression used to describe an individual who is mentally competent and capable of making rational decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, primarily in news, formal business settings, and academia. Its purpose is to assert someone's mental capacity, especially in legal or medical situations. While often used neutrally, it leans towards formality due to its serious connotations. Related phrases include "mentally competent" and "rational", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. When using the phrase, ensure the context supports the claim and avoid casual assertions without proper assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentally competent

Focuses on the legal and medical assessment of mental capacity.

compos mentis

A more formal, Latin-derived term for being of sound mind.

sane

A simpler and more direct term for being mentally healthy and rational.

mentally stable

Emphasizes the consistency and balance of one's mental state.

rational

Highlights the ability to think logically and make reasoned decisions.

lucid

Focuses on clarity of thought and understanding.

in one's right mind

An idiomatic expression for being rational and sensible.

mentally fit

Highlights the mental well-being and capacity to function effectively.

capable of reason

Emphasizes the cognitive ability to engage in logical thought processes.

having a clear head

Indicates a state of mental clarity and focus.

FAQs

How is the phrase "of sound mind" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "of sound mind" is used to describe someone who has the mental capacity to understand and make decisions, such as creating a will or signing a contract. It signifies that the person is mentally competent and aware of the implications of their actions.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "of sound mind"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "mentally competent", "rational", or "lucid" to convey a similar meaning.

What does it mean for a person to be declared not "of sound mind"?

When a person is declared not "of sound mind", it means they are considered mentally incapable of managing their affairs or making informed decisions. This can lead to legal interventions such as guardianship or conservatorship.

How do medical professionals determine if someone is "of sound mind"?

Medical professionals assess mental capacity through examinations and tests that evaluate cognitive functions like memory, comprehension, and reasoning. These assessments help determine if a person understands the nature and consequences of their decisions.