with a mind to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a mind to" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that someone has a specific plan or purpose in mind. For example, "I visited the library with a mind to finding information about the local history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Ministers are now reviewing the 1976 Race Relations Act with a mind to radical reform.

The Economist

Such easy pickings for poachers with a mind to murder for profit.

The New York Times

Reading with a mind to designing a jacket is very different from just reading.

The New Yorker

He promoted Jadranka Kosor, a relatively low-profile figure in the HDZ, to take over, apparently with a mind to running the country from behind the scenes.

The Economist

There are worries that speculative investment in buy-to-let properties, with a mind to renting them on Airbnb, is pricing out locals and creating a housing bubble.

The Economist

When did it realise that Christopher Hill was not intending to restart the English civil war, with a mind to recreating a Leveller revolution three centuries later?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

We need to continue to work with scientists with a mind open to the best path to saving lives -- and not just to their own research.

Huffington Post

If an entrepreneur joins a company with an open mind to learning, there's an incredibly valuable experience there with powerful rewards.

The New York Times

That outcome — a very traditional organization responding with an open mind to a netroots outcry — made me think again about my own cynicism about Web activism.

The New York Times

Where others see the loss of an all too temporary present, they see evolution and look ahead with an open mind to a new equilibrium.

Vice

And for that to happen you need to observe the world, closely and steadily, with a mind open to change.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a mind to" to clearly state the intended outcome or goal of an action in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with a mind to" in casual conversation or informal writing; opt for simpler alternatives like "intending to" or "planning to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a mind to" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the intention or objective behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is a perfectly acceptable expression in written English, commonly used to introduce the reason for doing something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with a mind to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates purpose or intention. Ludwig AI affirms its acceptability in written English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it also sees use in Scientific and Wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When aiming for clarity and precision, particularly in writing, "with a mind to" serves as a valuable tool for explicitly stating the intended outcome of an action. Keep in mind that for informal speech, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intending to

Focuses more directly on the act of intending, rather than having a plan in mind.

aiming to

Highlights the goal-oriented aspect, emphasizing the target of the action.

with the intention of

More formal and explicitly states the intent behind an action.

for the purpose of

Emphasizes the reason or objective for doing something.

in order to

A common phrase indicating purpose, often used to introduce an infinitive verb.

so as to

Similar to "in order to", but can sound slightly more formal or literary.

planning to

Emphasizes the act of planning as a prelude to action.

having the goal of

Highlights the desired outcome or achievement.

with a view to

A more formal and slightly archaic way of expressing intention.

considering

Suggests a more thoughtful or deliberative approach towards an action.

FAQs

How can I use "with a mind to" in a sentence?

Use "with a mind to" to express a specific intention or purpose behind an action. For example, "She saved money "with a mind to" buying a house" indicates her purpose for saving was to purchase a home.

What are some alternatives to "with a mind to"?

You can use alternatives like "intending to", "aiming to", or "for the purpose of" depending on the context.

Is "with a mind to" formal or informal?

"With a mind to" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "planning to" or "intending to" might be more appropriate.

How does "with a view to" differ from "with a mind to"?

"With a view to" is a synonym of "with a mind to" but is considered more archaic and formal. Both phrases express intention or purpose, but "with a view to" might sound slightly more stilted in contemporary usage.