Signification
To suddenly remember or think of something.
Contexte culturel
In US business culture, 'coming to mind' is a key part of 'brainstorming.' Employees are encouraged to share whatever comes to mind without fear of judgment. This is called 'blue-sky thinking.' British speakers often prefer 'spring to mind' over 'come to mind' in casual conversation. It sounds slightly more energetic and idiomatic to British ears. While the concept exists, Japanese communication often values 'Kūki o yomu' (reading the air). People might not say what 'comes to mind' immediately if they feel it might disrupt the harmony of the group. In formal research, 'come to mind' is used to introduce hypotheses or parallels. It allows a researcher to suggest a connection without claiming it is a proven fact.
Use it for 'I forgot'
Instead of just saying 'I forgot,' say 'The name isn't coming to mind.' It sounds more sophisticated and natural.
Subject Check
Always check your subject! 'I come to mind' is a very common mistake. The idea is the one doing the coming.
Signification
To suddenly remember or think of something.
Use it for 'I forgot'
Instead of just saying 'I forgot,' say 'The name isn't coming to mind.' It sounds more sophisticated and natural.
Subject Check
Always check your subject! 'I come to mind' is a very common mistake. The idea is the one doing the coming.
The 'First Thing' Rule
Combine it with 'first thing' to sound like a native: 'The first thing that comes to mind is...'
Brainstorming Etiquette
In English-speaking workplaces, saying 'Nothing comes to mind' is better than staying silent. It shows you are trying.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'come to mind'.
I'm trying to remember the name of that restaurant, but nothing is _______.
We use the present continuous 'is coming' because the action of trying to remember is happening right now.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the best option:
The idea must be the subject of the sentence.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your boss asks for suggestions for a new marketing slogan.
You can use the phrase to say you have no ideas (A) or to suggest a specific idea (B).
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: What's the first thing you think of when I say 'London'? B: The Big Ben ________.
'Comes to mind' and 'springs to mind' are both perfect here. 'Is coming to mind' is also possible if the thought is just forming.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Come vs. Spring vs. Cross
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI'm trying to remember the name of that restaurant, but nothing is _______.
We use the present continuous 'is coming' because the action of trying to remember is happening right now.
Select the best option:
The idea must be the subject of the sentence.
Situation: Your boss asks for suggestions for a new marketing slogan.
You can use the phrase to say you have no ideas (A) or to suggest a specific idea (B).
A: What's the first thing you think of when I say 'London'? B: The Big Ben ________.
'Comes to mind' and 'springs to mind' are both perfect here. 'Is coming to mind' is also possible if the thought is just forming.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but 'It came to mind' is more common and sounds more like a fixed idiom.
'Occur to' is often used for a sudden realization (e.g., 'It occurred to me that I was wrong'), while 'come to mind' is for memories or associations.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Absolutely. 'The answer finally came to mind' is very common.
Yes, but 'spring' implies it happened even faster or more suddenly.
In this idiom, 'mind' is used as an abstract concept, so we drop the article 'the.'
No. You should say 'A thought came to my mind' or just 'A thought came to mind.'
Yes, to introduce examples or related concepts in a less rigid way.
It means you have no ideas or you cannot remember anything at that moment.
No, it is only for thoughts, memories, and ideas.
It depends on the subject. 'One idea comes to mind' (singular) or 'Two ideas come to mind' (plural).
Use 'Does... come to mind?' (e.g., 'Does anything come to mind?').
Expressions liées
Spring to mind
similarTo appear in the mind very suddenly.
Cross one's mind
similarTo have a brief, passing thought.
Occur to
similarTo come into the mind of a person.
Call to mind
builds onTo remind one of something.
Slip one's mind
contrastTo be forgotten.
