to make a mental note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make a mental note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to remind yourself to remember something without writing it down. Example: "I need to make a mental note to call my doctor tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Lee appeared to make a mental note.

The New Yorker

The stadium scientist appeared to make a mental note.

The New Yorker

"It would be easy to misinterpret," Cornwell said, and she seemed to make a mental note.

The New Yorker

I tried to make a mental note of what he had done, but it was no use: Chef von Bargen was simply too quick and too practiced.

The New York Times

You can concentrate on the interplay of flavors rather than having to make a mental note to do so in between talking about your vacation.

The New York Times - Magazine

The challenge is, "We have to make a mental note to think about everything else".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Not quite sure why I agreed to this and make a mental note to be as unhelpful as possible.

The Guardian - Books

I try to hold on to my breakfast and make a mental note to take the overland route back - provided I ever get there.

The Guardian - Travel

Count to yourself and make a mental note of the 11th card that you turn over.

WikiHow

If you need to adjust something, make a mental note of the change, and fix when you are back online.

WikiHow

I make a mental note to try to look more at their homework.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve flow, consider using a more concise synonym like "remember" or "keep in mind" if the context allows.

Common error

While "to make a mental note" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "remember", "keep in mind", or "take note of" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make a mental note" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of consciously committing something to memory without physically writing it down. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression with a clear purpose. Examples from The New Yorker and The New York Times show it in various contexts, from remembering details to actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make a mental note" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to indicate an intention to remember something without writing it down. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers useful examples from sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times. While suitable for various contexts, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "remember" or "keep in mind" for better writing flow. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to remember

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of saying to keep something in mind.

to keep in mind

This alternative is very similar, emphasizing the act of retaining information.

to bear in mind

This alternative is a slightly more formal way of saying to keep something in mind.

to take note of

This alternative focuses on the action of noticing and registering something.

to commit to memory

This alternative highlights the effort to actively memorize something.

to fix in one's mind

This alternative suggests a more deliberate and firm act of remembering.

to etch in one's memory

This alternative implies a strong and lasting impression on the memory.

to internalize

This alternative means to make something part of one's understanding or beliefs.

to register

This alternative emphasizes the act of the mind recording something.

to take cognizance of

This alternative is a formal way of saying to be aware of something.

FAQs

What does "to make a mental note" mean?

The phrase "to make a mental note" means to consciously try to remember something without writing it down. It's a way of telling yourself to not forget a particular piece of information.

What can I say instead of "to make a mental note"?

You can use alternatives like "to remember", "to keep in mind", or "to take note of", depending on the context.

Is it better to "make a mental note" or write it down?

Whether you "make a mental note" or write something down depends on the importance and complexity of the information. If it's crucial and detailed, writing it down is safer. If it's a simple reminder, a mental note might suffice.

How can I improve my ability to "make a mental note"?

To improve your ability to "make a mental note", try associating the information with something memorable, repeating it to yourself, or visualizing it. These techniques can help reinforce your memory.