turn of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn of mind" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to someone's natural way of thinking or their mental disposition. You could use this phrase in a sentence like: "Her artistic abilities were evident from a young age, showing a unique turn of mind for creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He developed a dark turn of mind.

The New York Times - Books

And he also had a fiercely independent turn of mind.

University of California, Berkeley

CARSON: You have a strange turn of mind.

The New Yorker

How did you come to write Turn of Mind?

The Guardian - Books

Lear's verse also reflects the naturalist's turn of mind.

The New Yorker

I do not have a suspicious turn of mind.

The New York Times - Food

… A certain speculative turn of mind was bound to develop".

The New York Times

Not a possibility to ignore, if you have a lion turn of mind.

The New York Times

Being of a practical turn of mind, she soon made her fantasy come true.

The New Yorker

But it was doubtless a sincere conversion, for Constantine had a religious turn of mind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mel had an iconoclastic turn of mind, an astonishing memory and delightful wit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn of mind", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It can imply a habitual way of thinking, a sudden shift in perspective, or a particular intellectual inclination. Choose it when you want to highlight the characteristic manner in which someone approaches thoughts and ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "turn of mind" interchangeably with terms like "opinion" or "belief". "Turn of mind" refers to a more fundamental and characteristic way of thinking, not just a specific viewpoint or idea. Ensure the context reflects this broader, more ingrained mental disposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn of mind" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition (e.g., "of") or as a subject complement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a characteristic way of thinking or a mental disposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn of mind" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a person's characteristic way of thinking or mental disposition. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, especially in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. While alternatives exist, such as "way of thinking" or "mental disposition", "turn of mind" offers a nuanced way to describe someone's ingrained cognitive approach. Remember to use it when you want to highlight a fundamental aspect of someone's thought process, rather than just a specific opinion or belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

way of thinking

Focuses on the manner in which someone approaches thoughts and ideas.

mental disposition

Emphasizes the inherent qualities and tendencies of someone's mind.

frame of mind

Highlights the current state or mood influencing someone's thoughts.

perspective

Refers to a particular point of view or outlook on things.

intellectual inclination

Focuses on a leaning towards certain types of intellectual pursuits or thoughts.

mental attitude

Highlights the approach or stance someone takes mentally towards situations.

cognitive style

Emphasizes the individual's preferred method of processing information.

thought pattern

Focuses on the recurring sequences and habits in someone's thinking.

intellectual bent

Highlights a natural skill or tendency toward certain types of thinking.

mental outlook

Emphasizes the way someone generally views the world and situations.

FAQs

How can I use "turn of mind" in a sentence?

You can use "turn of mind" to describe someone's characteristic way of thinking. For example: "His scientific turn of mind led him to approach problems with a logical and analytical approach."

What are some alternatives to "turn of mind"?

Some alternatives to "turn of mind" include "way of thinking", "mental disposition", or "frame of mind", depending on the specific context.

Is "turn of mind" a formal or informal expression?

"Turn of mind" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "turn of mind" and "point of view"?

"Turn of mind" refers to a person's characteristic way of thinking or mental disposition, while "point of view" refers to a specific opinion or perspective on a particular issue. The former is broader and more ingrained, while the latter is more specific and situational.