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Prepositions with nouns

In mind and of mind

In mind is very common in fixed expressions. Of mind appears mainly in formal phrases such as sound of mind.

Quick answer

Main difference

Use in mind for thoughts, intentions, and memory. Use of mind mainly in formal expressions describing mental condition, such as sound of mind.

Please keep this in mind.
I had a different plan in mind.
The document stated she was of sound mind.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
keep in mind

Remembering information

Use this fixed phrase to mean remember or consider.

Keep in mind that prices may change.
2
have something in mind

Thinking about a plan or idea

Use it for intentions or ideas.

Do you have anyone in mind for the job?
3
of sound mind

Describing mental capacity

This formal legal expression refers to mental competence.

She declared that she was of sound mind when signing the will.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in mind
I will keep your advice in mind.
remembering or considering something
of mind
The phrase of sound mind is used in legal English.
mental condition in a formal expression
on my mind
Work has been on my mind all week.
occupying thoughts

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of mind for ordinary thoughts

Standard English uses in mind for ideas and memory.

✕ I have a trip of mind. ✓ I have a trip in mind.

Overusing formal of mind expressions

Of mind is limited to certain fixed phrases.

✕ She is of creative mind. ✓ She has a creative mind.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Please keep this ___ mind.
2. Do you have a restaurant ___ mind?
3. The lawyer confirmed he was of sound ___.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in mind common?

Yes. It is widely used in everyday English.

When is of mind used?

Mostly in formal expressions such as of sound mind.

Can I say on my mind?

Yes. It means something is worrying you or occupying your thoughts.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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