states of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"states of mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's mental or emotional state. For example, "She goes through different states of mind depending on her mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Great cities are states of mind.

The New York Times - Arts

His poems often volley between speakers and states of mind.

The New Yorker

Virtuous states of mind, but hardly blueprints for action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whichbook classifies titles by feelings or states of mind.

The Guardian - Books

Not that she merely sings about inner states of mind.

The Guardian - Music

Love and peace are states of mind, though, aren't they?

The Guardian - Music

"New York States of Mind" continues through March 23.

The New York Times

States of Mind is published by Wellcome Collection, £9.99.

The Guardian - Books

The tangled, overripe Queensland rainforest becomes a mirror of their states of mind.

The Economist

All five sit, year after year, for interviews updating their lives and their states of mind.

The New York Times

Boudjedra's next novel, L'Insolation (1972; "Sunstroke"), evoked experimental states of mind, confounding dream with reality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about characters in fiction, use "states of mind" to effectively convey their emotional journey and internal conflicts.

Common error

While "states of mind" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Consider more precise terms like "cognitive processes" or "emotional regulation" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "states of mind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it describes the various mental and emotional conditions a person can experience. It is used to encapsulate a range of cognitive and affective processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "states of mind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes various mental and emotional conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and versatility across different contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, the phrase serves to articulate and categorize subjective experiences. While alternatives like "mental states" and "emotional states" exist, the choice depends on the specific emphasis required. When writing, consider the formality of the context to ensure the term aligns with the intended tone and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental states

Focuses more directly on the psychological condition.

emotional states

Highlights the affective or feeling-based aspects.

frames of mind

Similar but emphasizes a particular perspective or attitude.

cognitive states

Emphasizes the thought processes and intellectual functions.

mental attitudes

Focuses on established ways of thinking and feeling.

inner feelings

More informal and emphasizes personal emotions.

psychological conditions

More clinical and focuses on mental health.

subjective experiences

Highlights personal and individual perspectives.

emotional landscape

Metaphorical, describing internal feelings as a complex environment.

internal disposition

More formal, referring to a person's inherent qualities of mind.

FAQs

How to use "states of mind" in a sentence?

You can use "states of mind" to describe someone's emotional or mental condition, such as "Meditation helps in achieving peaceful "states of mind"".

What can I say instead of "states of mind"?

Alternatives include "mental states", "emotional states", or "cognitive states", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "states of mind" or "state of mind"?

"State of mind" refers to a singular condition, while "states of mind" refers to multiple or varying conditions. For example, "He was in a confused state of mind" versus "She experiences various states of mind throughout the day".

What's the difference between "states of mind" and "emotional states"?

"Emotional states" specifically refer to feelings and affective conditions, whereas "states of mind" is broader, encompassing thoughts, feelings, and overall mental conditions.