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Grammar fix

come to mind

remember

to suddenly think of something or someone, often without planning to; to remember or have an idea pop into your head.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: something/someone comes to mind

WrongHis name didn't come to my mind.

RightHis name didn't come to mind.

Fixed phrase 'come to mind' — no 'my'.

Patternsomething/someone comes to mind

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff No suitable example presents itself to me.

Natural Nothing comes to mind.

'Presents itself' is bookish; 'come to mind' is how natives say something pops into their head.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • come to mind
    the first thingnothinga namean 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.

Try it in Daily Speak →