Meaning & use
bring to mind
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
to cause someone to remember something or to think of something
Grammar: Used with a subject that is the thing remembered; often followed by 'of' or a clause: The smell brings to mind my grandmother's kitchen.
Patterns
- bring something to mind
- bring to mind something
- bring to mind that ...
That song always brings to mind the summer we spent by the sea.
Her name brings to mind a very kind teacher I once had.
The photograph brought to mind memories of my childhood.
Common combinations
- bring to mind a memory
- The old house brought to mind a memory of my grandfather.
- bring to mind a time
- This music brings to mind a time when life was simpler.
- bring to mind someone's name
- I can't bring to mind her name right now.
- bring to mind a place
- The smell of pine brings to mind a forest.
Synonyms and how they differ
- remind
- Use 'remind' when something makes someone remember something, often with 'of': This reminds me of you. 'Bring to mind' is more formal and focuses on the memory itself.
- evoke
- 'Evoke' is more literary and often used for feelings or images: The poem evokes sadness. 'Bring to mind' is neutral and common in speech.
Commonly confused: bring to mind or come to mind?
bring to mind vs come to mind
'Come to mind' means a thought appears in your mind without an external cause: The idea came to mind. 'Bring to mind' needs something that causes the memory.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'bring to mind' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct pattern is 'bring something to mind' or 'bring to mind something'. Option 0 follows this. Option 1 incorrectly adds 'me' before the object. Option 2 misplaces 'me'. Option 3 adds 'of' after 'mind', which is not used with this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “bring to mind”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.