sound mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"sound mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a person who has a rational, clear, and sane state of mind. For example, "The judge granted the mental competency hearing to determine if the defendant had a sound mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"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

I am very clear and of a sound mind.

Independent

Still, nobody of sound mind is writing him off.

The Guardian - Sport

Melissa Feld, in sound mind, signing the Lent Agreement.

The New York Times

"A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," it read.

The New Yorker

KEAN: Kean Cannon, in sound mind, signing the Lent Agreement.

The New York Times

Surely nobody of sound mind actually takes it seriously?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They may sound mind-blowing to you, but chances are they aren't.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sound mind" in legal or formal contexts, ensure it aligns with the specific legal definitions and requirements pertaining to mental capacity and competence.

Common error

Avoid using "sound mind" casually to describe someone who simply agrees with you. The phrase implies a more formal assessment of mental capacity, not just alignment of opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound mind" primarily functions as an attributive adjective, modifying the noun 'mind'. It describes the quality or state of the mind, indicating its health, rationality, and stability. As Ludwig AI points out, this is a common way to describe mental competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sound mind" signifies a state of mental competence, rationality, and stability. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used in English. It functions primarily as an attributive adjective, modifying the noun 'mind', and its use is particularly prevalent in formal and legal contexts. The analysis of usage patterns shows that "sound mind" is frequently found in News & Media and Science, reflecting its relevance in both public discourse and professional assessments. While alternatives such as "rational mind" and "clear mind" exist, "sound mind" carries a specific weight, especially when evaluating mental capacity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rational mind

Replaces "sound" with "rational", focusing on the capacity for logical thought.

clear mind

Emphasizes the clarity of thought, suggesting an absence of confusion.

sane mind

Highlights the state of being mentally healthy and not deranged.

healthy mind

Focuses on the overall well-being and fitness of the mind.

balanced mind

Suggests a state of emotional and mental equilibrium.

stable mind

Implies a mind that is not prone to sudden or erratic changes.

reasoning mind

Highlights the cognitive process of logical thinking.

sober mind

Implies a mind that is free from the influence of drugs or alcohol, and thus clear and rational.

lucid mind

Focuses on the ease of understanding and clarity of expression.

wise mind

Suggests a mind characterized by good judgment and experience.

FAQs

How is "sound mind" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to describe someone who is capable of making rational decisions, such as in legal documents or when discussing a person's mental state. For example, "The contract requires that all parties be of "sound mind" when signing."

What are some alternatives to "sound mind"?

Alternatives include phrases like "rational mind", "clear mind", or "sane mind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "sound mind"?

It is most appropriate in formal settings such as legal documents, medical evaluations, or discussions about someone's ability to make informed decisions. Avoid using it in casual conversation where it might sound overly formal or clinical.

What does it mean to say someone is "of sound mind and body"?

This phrase traditionally refers to someone who is mentally competent and physically healthy. The phrase ""sound mind"" indicates mental stability and rationality, while "sound body" signifies physical well-being.