top of mind

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   most important or most frequently thought about at the present time

   Grammar: Used mainly after the verb be: The issue is top of mind. It can also come before a noun with hyphens: top-of-mind concerns.

   Patterns

   • be top of mind
   • something is top of mind for someone
   • top-of-mind something

   After the storm, flood protection was top of mind for everyone in the town.

   The economy is top of mind for voters this year.

   Her health is always top of mind when she plans her schedule.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasebusiness

   the first thing a person thinks of when a product or subject is mentioned

   Grammar: Common in marketing; often used after be or in the phrase at the top of someone's mind: Our brand is at the top of their minds.

   Patterns

   • be top of mind
   • stay top of mind
   • be at the top of someone's mind

   The ad campaign aims to keep the brand top of mind with young buyers.

   When people think of coffee, this company is top of mind.

   A good logo helps a product stay top of mind.

Common combinations

be top of mind

Safety is top of mind for parents choosing a school.

top-of-mind awareness

The survey measured top-of-mind awareness of local banks.

keep something top of mind

Regular emails keep our services top of mind.

top of mind for someone

Climate change is top of mind for many young voters.

at the top of someone's mind

The new phone was at the top of his mind all week.

Synonyms and how they differ

foremost

Means most important and usually comes before a noun, as in the foremost issue; top of mind is more informal and often follows the verb be.

uppermost

Also means most important, but it suggests the strongest feeling or thought at a moment; top of mind is common in business and news contexts.

prominent

Means easily noticed or important; top of mind specifically means people are actively thinking about it now.

Opposites

Word family

mind noun

the part of a person that thinks and remembers

mindful adjective

careful to remember or consider something

Commonly confused: top of mind or on my mind?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “top of mind”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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