stir the mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stir the mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that causes a person to think deeply or to provoke a creative response. For example: "The professor's questions were designed to stir the minds of her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The choreography and performers are always surprising and sometimes stir the mind and touch the heart.

The New York Times

Together they will stir the mind to be more aware of erotic impulses; together they will help spark dopamine networks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The relevance alone makes this Urban Stages production provocative theater that stirs the mind.

The New York Times

Years later, Moore would say that those punches, in their accumulation, made him dizzy: "They stirred the mind".

The New Yorker

With that courage, we can stand together for the right of every child, from the corners of Anacostia to the hills of Appalachia, to get an education that stirs the mind and captures the spirit and prepares them for the world that awaits them.

The New York Times

Party-line Surrealism played in negatively, a dissonance to stir up the mind, break down categories.

Independent

At their best they are small, valuable essays that prepare the mind and stir the senses.

The New York Times

We should decide what our pupils study on the basis of what is "short", "relevant", and "accessible", not what has been proved over time and across cultures to stretch the mind and stir the soul.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stir the pot, stir the pot".

The New York Times

Why not stir the pot?

TechCrunch

(How photographs of the temples of Karnak and the plain of Thebes — pre-television, even before much newsreel photography — must have stirred the heart and mind!) An anthropological piece in December takes on Indian asceticism and then an ecstatic Hindu festival, and sees them not as a freak show but as a lesson to the imperialists on the dialectic of Hindu culture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stir the mind" when you want to express the idea of prompting deep thought, reflection, or creativity. This phrase is effective in contexts where you're discussing art, education, or experiences that have a profound intellectual impact.

Common error

Avoid using "stir the mind" in overly casual or informal situations. It's a relatively formal phrase, and using it in everyday conversation can sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler language when discussing ordinary thoughts or feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stir the mind" functions primarily as a verb phrase that indicates an action performed on the noun "mind". It describes the act of stimulating or provoking thought. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrasing is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stir the mind" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of prompting deep thought or reflection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not overly common, it appears in reputable news sources and maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. Related phrases include "stimulate the mind" and "provoke thought". When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and avoid overuse in overly casual situations. Remember, it's most effective when describing experiences or ideas with significant intellectual impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir the intellect

Replaces "mind" with "intellect", focusing on the cognitive aspect.

provoke thought

Uses a different verb to emphasize causing thought.

stimulate the mind

Emphasizes the action of encouraging mental activity.

spark the imagination

Shifts the focus to creative thinking and imagery.

ignite curiosity

Highlights the arousal of inquisitiveness and interest.

engage the intellect

Focuses on capturing and holding the attention of the intellect.

arouse interest

Indicates the generation of attention and concern.

challenge the mind

Implies presenting a difficult or stimulating task to the mind.

stimulate reflection

Focuses on prompting thoughtful consideration.

foster contemplation

Suggests creating an environment conducive to deep thought.

FAQs

How can I use "stir the mind" in a sentence?

You can use "stir the mind" to describe something that provokes deep thought or reflection. For example, "The novel's complex themes aimed to stir the mind and encourage readers to question their beliefs."

What's a good alternative to "stir the mind"?

Alternatives to "stir the mind" include "stimulate the mind", "provoke thought", or "spark the imagination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stir the mind" a formal or informal expression?

"Stir the mind" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, you might prefer simpler phrases like "make you think" or "get you thinking".

What kind of subjects are best suited to the phrase "stir the mind"?

The phrase "stir the mind" is particularly well-suited for discussing topics related to art, philosophy, education, and experiences that encourage deep intellectual engagement and reflection.