of two minds

USAGE SUMMARY

"of two minds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone who is indecisive, unsure or torn between two options. For example, "Anne was of two minds about whether to accept the new job offer or stay in her current position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm of two minds.

The New York Times

"Myself, I'm really of two minds.

The New York Times

I'M of two minds.

The New York Times - Tech

I'M really of two minds about this.

The New York Times

"I'm of two minds, truthfully," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Official Russia seemed of two minds today.

The New York Times

Geldof himself has been of two minds.

The Guardian

Proenza Schouler was of two minds.

The New York Times

Mr. Putin himself seems of two minds.

The New York Times

I'M of two minds about the desert.

The New York Times - Travel

Russia's oil industry is of two minds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, provide context about the conflicting thoughts or options to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "of two minds" when the situation involves strong opposition or vehement disagreement. The phrase implies a more balanced internal conflict rather than outright opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of two minds" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of indecision or ambivalence. It is used to indicate that someone is torn between two conflicting opinions or courses of action, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of two minds" is a versatile idiom used to describe a state of indecision or ambivalence. As Ludwig highlights, it functions as an adjectival phrase indicating internal conflict. It's commonly found in neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media, but can also appear in more formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a balanced internal debate rather than strong opposition. Consider alternatives like ""undecided"" or ""ambivalent"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torn between two options

Illustrates the conflict in wanting different things.

conflicted

Emphasizes the internal struggle between opposing views.

having mixed feelings

Highlights the combination of positive and negative emotions.

ambivalent

Highlights the presence of conflicting feelings.

on the fence

Informal idiom for being undecided.

undecided

Single word expressing a lack of decision.

unsure

Expresses a general lack of certainty.

in a dilemma

Emphasizes a difficult choice between two options.

undetermined

Focuses on the lack of a final decision.

wavering

Suggests hesitation and uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "of two minds" in a sentence?

You can use "of two minds" to express that someone is undecided or ambivalent about something. For example, "I am "of two minds" about whether to accept the job offer."

What's a simpler way to say "of two minds"?

Simpler alternatives include "undecided", "ambivalent", or "unsure". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "of two minds" or "torn between two options"?

"Of two minds" describes a state of indecision, while "torn between two options" emphasizes the conflict and difficulty in making a choice. Choose the phrase that best reflects the level of internal struggle.

When is it appropriate to use the idiom "of two minds"?

Use "of two minds" when you want to convey that someone is experiencing a genuine internal conflict or has mixed feelings about a particular situation or decision. It's ideal when the person sees merit in both sides of an issue.