what a mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express admiration or astonishment regarding someone's intelligence or creativity. Example: "After hearing her innovative ideas, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'What a mind she has!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

What a mind!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But what a mind.

The New York Times - Books

What a mind he is.

The Guardian - Sport

But, even so, what a mind.

The Guardian

They did what a mind could not imagine," she said.

Independent

"Someone has to teach them what a mind is.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

What a mind-boggler!

The New York Times

But what a mind-blower for him, because as a boy he remembered hearing about the Wright brothers flying.

The New Yorker

So, I was speaking to an Iranian friend about what a mind-bending thing it must be for people in the Middle East to see Americans, seven years after 9/11, electing someone named Barack Hussein Obama as president.

The New York Times

But they never show you what a mind-numbingly boring process it really is to shoot a film.

BBC

What a mind-blowing opening song.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your expressions of admiration to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "what an intellect" or "what a genius" depending on the specific context.

Common error

While "what a mind" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or insincere. Be mindful of how often you use this phrase and consider alternative ways to convey admiration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a mind" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression. According to Ludwig, it's used to convey admiration or astonishment regarding someone's intelligence, creativity, or overall mental capacity. Examples showcase its usage in expressing surprise and respect for notable intellects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

25%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a mind" is a grammatically correct and common exclamatory phrase used to express admiration or astonishment at someone's intellectual capabilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally well-received and understood across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While suitable for expressing genuine appreciation, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "what an intellect" or "such brilliance" to maintain variety and sincerity in your writing. Its register leans towards neutral to informal, making it less frequent in highly formal or scientific discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what an intellect

Emphasizes intellectual capacity more directly than general mental ability.

what a genius

Highlights exceptional creative or intellectual power.

such brilliance

Focuses on the shining quality of intelligence or skill.

how clever

A more informal expression of admiration for ingenuity.

remarkable intelligence

A formal way to acknowledge outstanding mental capacity.

astounding intellect

Highlights the surprising or impressive nature of someone's intellect.

incredible perception

Focuses on the ability to understand things quickly and accurately.

profound insight

Emphasizes the depth and understanding of a person's thinking.

exceptional cognitive ability

A technical and formal term for superior mental skills.

extraordinary mental capacity

Highlights the unusual level of someone's mental abilities.

FAQs

How can I use "what a mind" in a sentence?

You can use "what a mind" to express admiration or astonishment, such as, "After hearing her groundbreaking ideas, I thought, 'What a mind she has!'"

What are some alternatives to saying "what a mind"?

You can use alternatives like "what an intellect", "what a genius", or such brilliance depending on the context.

Is "what a mind" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what a mind" is generally more suited for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like remarkable intelligence.

What's the difference between "what a mind" and "remarkable intelligence"?

"What a mind" is an exclamatory phrase used to express immediate admiration, while "remarkable intelligence" is a more formal and objective assessment of someone's intellectual capabilities.