speed of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speed of mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quickness or agility of thought processes, often in contexts related to intelligence or cognitive abilities. Example: "In a debate, the speed of mind can often determine the outcome, as quick thinking can counteract opposing arguments effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Henry at 34 has speed of mind.

The New York Times - Sports

They were goals born of Ronaldo's speed of foot and speed of mind.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody loves… Jagielka is a talismanic figure, his speed of mind and body enhancing the defence and improving those he plays alongside.

The Guardian - Sport

The ball flashes around these courts in a blur, the speed of mind and of foot grooving a technique that develops one fine Brazilian footballer after another.

BBC

At fly-half, Nick Evans is an experienced and classy operator and England scrum-half Danny Care is on fire - his speed of mind and foot is at the heart of Quins' high-tempo gameplan.

BBC

Pele, Zico, Socrates, Romario, Ronaldo, Neymar are just some of the Brazilian national icons who spent their youth playing with the smaller, heavier futsal ball - a ball that could not be lofted into the air, but demanded speed of mind, fleetness of foot, flair and flamboyance.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The result was an arms race for processing speed of mind-boggling proportions.

Forbes

Making mobile optimization and site speed top of mind are also critical improvements that help ensure user satisfaction.

HuffPost

The emphasis on the speed of the mind and the presence of unending distraction can easily "encroach upon…individuality". How can technology evoke the individual, the creator, the self-sufficient mind?

University of California, Berkeley

All of this heightens our awareness of the sitter's complex thought-processes, as her arthritic hands (each one painted double, to indicate the speed of her mind and the intensity of her passion for scientific discovery) race across the paper on which she is sketching a diagram.

The Guardian - Arts

The recovery from that injury might have made him stronger, but it crucially didn't take away from the speed of his mind.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speed of mind" when you want to emphasize the rapid and efficient processing of information, especially in contexts where quick thinking is crucial, such as sports, debates, or problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "speed of mind" when referring to physical reflexes or reaction time. While related, "speed of mind" specifically denotes cognitive processing speed, not physical agility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speed of mind" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a quality or attribute related to cognitive processing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "speed of mind" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes the quickness and efficiency of thought processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate in written English. While not very common, it appears most frequently in News & Media. It is used to highlight a desirable cognitive trait that is especially valuable in situations requiring quick thinking. Alternatives include "mental agility" and "quickness of thought". When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that it is applied to cognitive abilities rather than physical reflexes, and to remember that it describes a component of intelligence rather than intelligence as a whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental agility

Focuses on the nimbleness and adaptability of thought processes.

quickness of thought

Emphasizes the rapid pace at which someone can think and process information.

intellectual acuity

Highlights the sharpness and keenness of someone's intellect.

cognitive speed

Directly refers to the rate at which cognitive processes occur.

mental sharpness

Focuses on the clarity and precision of thinking.

brisk intellect

Emphasizes a lively and active mental capacity.

swift thinking

Highlights the speed and efficiency of thought.

rapid cognition

A more formal term for fast mental processing.

cleverness

Implies intelligence and quick-wittedness.

astuteness

Highlights the ability to accurately assess situations and people quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "speed of mind" to describe someone's ability to think quickly and efficiently, as in "The chess player's "speed of mind" allowed them to anticipate their opponent's moves several steps ahead".

What is a good alternative to "speed of mind"?

Alternatives to "speed of mind" include "mental agility", "quickness of thought", or "intellectual acuity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "speed of mind" the same as "intelligence"?

While related, "speed of mind" refers specifically to the quickness of cognitive processing, whereas "intelligence" is a broader term encompassing various cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. Therefore, someone with high "speed of mind" may not necessarily have high overall intelligence, and vice versa.

In what contexts is "speed of mind" most relevant?

"Speed of mind" is particularly relevant in contexts where quick thinking is essential, such as competitive sports, strategic decision-making, debates, or emergency situations. It highlights the ability to rapidly analyze information and respond effectively.