the mention of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the mention of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone or something that has already been talked about or mentioned previously. For example, "The mention of her name caused a stir in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mention of Australians is pertinent.

Independent

The mention of "Aug.

The New York Times

She sighed at the mention of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

THE mention of radio signals another digression.

The New York Times

The mention of interns is significant.

The Guardian - Arts

The mention of his father is telling.

The New Yorker

He scowled at the mention of looting.

The Guardian

At the mention of this, Schneider shrugs.

The Guardian

People cheered at the mention of Atlantic.

The New Yorker

At the mention of the separation, Apari grew sober, uneasy.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the mention of Sharansky's name, they booed!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the mention of" to smoothly introduce a topic or element that has been previously established within the conversation or text, ensuring continuity and relevance.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "the mention of". Vary your sentence structure by using pronouns or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the mention of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is used to refer to the act of bringing something to someone's attention, or the act of alluding to something previously stated or known.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the mention of" is a versatile noun phrase used to refer back to previously stated information or topics. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's advisable to avoid overuse in close proximity to maintain writing fluidity. When aiming for semantic alternatives, consider phrases like "referring to" or "alluding to" to introduce nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "the mention of" serves as a reliable and effective tool for connecting ideas and building coherence in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reference to

Highlights the act of pointing something out or using it as proof in an argument.

referring to

Focuses on the act of direct reference, slightly more active than a simple mention.

alluding to

Implies a subtle or indirect reference, adding a layer of nuance absent in "the mention of".

in connection with

Highlights an association or relationship, broader than just mentioning.

in relation to

Indicates a direct relationship or relevance, more specific than a general mention.

the subject of

Shifts focus to the topic itself, rather than the act of mentioning it.

in the context of

Frames the mention within a specific setting or situation, providing added clarity.

the topic at hand

Emphasizes the current subject under discussion, differing from a casual mention.

with respect to

Adds a formal tone, indicating consideration or regard for something mentioned.

in regard to

Similar to 'with respect to', but slightly less formal, indicating relevance or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "the mention of" in a sentence?

Use "the mention of" to refer back to something that was previously stated, like, "His mood soured at "the mention of his ex"".

What are some alternatives to "the mention of"?

Consider using phrases like "referring to", "alluding to", or "in connection with" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "mention of" or "the mention of"?

While "mention of" is grammatically correct, "the mention of" is generally preferred when referring to a specific, previously discussed topic. Without "the", it can be more general.

What is the difference between "the mention of" and "the reference to"?

"The mention of" generally indicates a brief bringing up of a topic. "The reference to" implies a more direct and purposeful citation or allusion. Thus, the alternative "the reference to" typically carries more weight and intentionality.