come to mind — remember
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to suddenly think of something or someone, often without planning to; to remember or have an idea pop into your head.
Say it like a native
Textbook No suitable example presents itself to me.
Native Nothing comes to mind.
'Presents itself' is bookish; 'come to mind' is how natives say something pops into their head.
Pattern: something/someone comes to mind
In use
- When I think of my childhood, summer holidays at my grandparents' house always come to mind.communication
- When I hear the word 'success,' the first thing that comes to mind is working hard and never giving up.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ His name didn't come to my mind.
✓ His name didn't come to mind.
Fixed phrase 'come to mind' — no 'my'.
Common collocations
come to mind— the first thing, nothing, a name, an example
Don't confuse it
Different from 'remind,' which means something makes you remember; 'come to mind' is more about what you think of naturally.