presence of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presence of mind" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's ability to remain calm and collected in a difficult or chaotic situation. For example: "The captain's presence of mind during the storm was commendable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has caused many to lose their vital presence of mind or what is called mindfulness.

Huffington Post

During this time, I worked on mindful practice and meditation to keep presence of mind.

Huffington Post

Such presence of mind!

The New Yorker

"He had great presence of mind.

The New York Times

But many fans do not possess presence of mind.

The New Yorker

Teamwork, presence of mind, quicksilver reflexes – this catch had everything.

The Guardian - Sport

The King himself acted with great presence of mind.

The Economist

"I'm very appreciative that someone had the presence of mind to take pictures of us.

The Guardian - Music

The result was an almost Zen-like presence of mind in the moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

A remarkable recording that has the presence of mind to never break the spell.

The Guardian - Music

She'd also had the presence of mind to run and collect our things on the beach.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presence of mind" to emphasize someone's ability to act effectively in emergencies or stressful situations. For instance, "Her presence of mind saved the day when the fire alarm went off."

Common error

Avoid using "presence of mind" in everyday scenarios where simple common sense applies. Reserve it for situations involving genuine stress, danger, or requiring quick, intelligent responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presence of mind" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it can be used to describe someone's capacity to remain calm in stressful or difficult situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "presence of mind" is a valuable expression for describing someone's ability to remain calm and act effectively during challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's crucial to use it appropriately, reserving it for scenarios where genuine stress or danger is involved, and to be aware of its suitability across various contexts, from news reports to professional settings. Remember to leverage synonyms like "composure under pressure" or "resourcefulness" for nuanced expression. The high frequency in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

composure under pressure

Focuses on maintaining a calm demeanor when facing challenging situations.

level-headedness

Highlights the ability to remain calm and rational, especially in stressful circumstances.

cool-headedness

Emphasizes maintaining a calm and rational disposition, particularly in moments of crisis.

resourcefulness

Highlights the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

quick thinking

Focuses on the speed and efficiency of thought processes in response to sudden events.

calmness under fire

Emphasizes maintaining a composed attitude while facing intense pressure or criticism.

equanimity

Refers to maintaining mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.

aplomb

Highlights self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.

self-possession

Focuses on having control over one's own feelings and behavior, especially in trying circumstances.

mental agility

Highlights the capability to think quickly and adapt to changing circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "presence of mind" in a sentence?

You can use "presence of mind" to describe someone who remains calm and acts effectively in a crisis. For example, "Thanks to his "quick thinking" and presence of mind, everyone evacuated safely."

What are some synonyms for "presence of mind"?

Alternatives include "composure under pressure", "level-headedness", "cool-headedness", and "resourcefulness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "presence of mind" a formal or informal expression?

"Presence of mind" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a relatively neutral term that is widely understood and accepted.

What's the difference between "presence of mind" and "common sense"?

"Presence of mind" refers to the ability to think clearly and act effectively under pressure, while "common sense" is general practical intelligence. You might use your "common sense" daily, but presence of mind is specifically valuable during emergencies.