top of your mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"top of your mind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is easily remembered or easily recalled. For example, "When I think about my favorite childhood memories, Disney World is always at the top of my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It's going to be closer to the top of your mind.

The Washington Post

"We're in discussions with just about everyone that'd come to the top of your mind," he said.

The New York Times

The Easy Lock: £24.99, theeasylock.com Safety should always be at the top of your mind when you're travelling, especially if your main accommodation will be hostels.

Independent

Try as you might to forget them, your most embarrassing moments likely float to the top of your mind at the oddest times, and cause you to cringe for years.

Independent

He went on, "But, if you fight when that feeling of anger is on top of your mind, you'll expose yourself, and it will be easy for the enemy to kill you".

The New Yorker

Plan with their needs at the top of your mind.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Mister and Missus are a division of creative agency Hugo and Marie, which specializes in collaborations, artist management, and generally blowing the top off of your mind.

Vice

I won't ask you to name EVERYTHING that's changed since then but off the top of your head, what comes to mind?

Forbes

These engagements also give you an opportunity to cross-sell relevant products and services and stay at the top of your customers' minds the next time they're ready to make a purchase.

Forbes

When you keep your nonprofit's mission and goals top of mind, your donors will never underestimate the impact your nonprofit is making.

Forbes

Stay on top of your work, and keep your mind active.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing marketing copy, use the phrase "top of your mind" to encourage brand recall. For example: 'Our goal is to keep our products "top of your mind" when you're ready to make a purchase.'

Common error

Avoid using "top of your mind" when you actually mean 'at the back of your mind'. The former suggests prominence and easy recall, while the latter implies something is present but not actively considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top of your mind" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating something that is easily recalled or is a primary concern. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples, showing its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "top of your mind" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed idiom used to denote something easily remembered or of primary concern. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that while it's versatile, it's most commonly found in News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, ensure its use aligns with the intended meaning of prominence or easy recall, and avoid confusing it with similar phrases like "at the back of your mind". Ludwig's examples clarify its function and typical application, aiding in its correct and effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the forefront of your thoughts

This alternative emphasizes the prominence of the thought in one's mind, suggesting it's a leading consideration.

uppermost in your thoughts

This phrase indicates that the thought is in the highest position of importance or awareness.

in the front of your mind

This option is a more literal and straightforward way of saying something is easily recalled.

at the center of your attention

This phrase shifts the focus to attention rather than memory, suggesting the subject is a primary focus.

at the peak of your awareness

This option emphasizes the conscious recognition and understanding of something.

a primary consideration

This highlights that something is a leading factor in decision-making or evaluation.

easily recalled

This alternative focuses specifically on the ease of remembering something.

readily remembered

Similar to 'easily recalled', but uses slightly more formal language.

most important consideration

Focuses on the aspect of importance and relevance in decision-making processes.

chief concern

Highlights that something is the main worry or area of interest.

FAQs

How can I use "top of your mind" in a sentence?

You can use "top of your mind" to indicate that something is easily remembered or of primary importance. For example: "Safety should always be "top of your mind" when operating machinery."

What are some phrases similar to "top of your mind"?

Alternatives include "at the forefront of your thoughts", "uppermost in your thoughts", or "a primary consideration" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "top of mind" without "your"?

While "top of mind" is sometimes used without the possessive pronoun, including "your" makes the phrase more directly relevant to the person being addressed or considered. Both forms are generally acceptable, but the context should guide your choice.

What's the difference between "top of your mind" and "at the back of your mind"?

"Top of your mind" implies immediate recall or primary importance, while "at the back of your mind" suggests something is present but not actively considered. They represent opposite states of awareness.