on our minds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on our minds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is being thought about or considered by a group of people. Example: "With the upcoming deadline approaching, the project is definitely on our minds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Always on our minds.

The New York Times

We have a lot on our minds.

The New York Times

Home is always on our minds.

The New York Times

That's not even on our minds".

The New York Times - Sports

MUD was on our minds.

The New York Times - Travel

We have nothing negative on our minds".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's been on our minds a lot.

The Guardian

Cole is on our minds and hearts.

The New York Times

Russia has been on our minds.

The New Yorker

And that was on our minds.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But we are the last thing on our minds.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on our minds" to indicate collective awareness or concern, ensuring the context clearly identifies who "our" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "on our minds" when the concern is individual rather than collective; clarify who shares the thought or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on our minds" functions primarily as a predicative expression, indicating what a group is currently thinking about or concerned with. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it serves to highlight a shared focus or preoccupation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on our minds" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate shared thoughts, concerns, or preoccupations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication, while alternative phrases like "in our thoughts" or "at the forefront of our thinking" can offer more nuanced meanings. When using the expression, ensure clarity regarding who "our" refers to, and avoid using it when the concern is individual rather than collective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in our thoughts

Emphasizes the act of thinking about something or someone.

at the forefront of our thinking

Highlights that something is a primary consideration.

occupying our thoughts

Indicates that something is taking up mental space.

preoccupying our minds

Suggests a dominant concern or worry.

weighing heavily on our minds

Implies a burden or significant concern.

of paramount consideration

Highlights the supreme importance of something.

upper most in our minds

Highlights the prominence of a specific consideration.

on our radar

Indicates awareness and monitoring of something.

under consideration

Suggests something is being actively thought about.

on our agenda

Implies a plan to address or think about something.

FAQs

How can I use "on our minds" in a sentence?

You can use "on our minds" to express a shared thought or concern. For example, "The upcoming deadline is definitely "on our minds"." It indicates that a group of people are thinking about something.

What are some alternatives to saying "on our minds"?

Alternatives include "in our thoughts", "at the forefront of our thinking", or "occupying our thoughts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "weighing heavily on our minds" instead of "on our minds"?

"Weighing heavily on our minds" implies a significant concern or burden. Use it when the topic is causing stress or worry, whereas ""on our minds"" is more general.

Is "on our minds" formal or informal?

"On our minds" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "under consideration" or "of paramount consideration".