Definition

Phrasal verb: - To be remembered or thought of suddenly or spontaneously. This phrase describes the process of an idea, memory, or piece of information entering one's thoughts without deliberate effort.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to indicate that a thought has occurred to someone. It is often used in the simple present tense (e.g., comes to mind) to describe a typical or immediate reaction, or in the past tense (e.g., came to mind) to report a specific instance of remembering. The subject is typically the thing that is remembered (e.g., a name, an idea, a solution).

Examples

• When I think of classic novels, is the first title that comes to mind.
• "Can you suggest a good restaurant?" "Nothing comes to mind right now, but I'll let you know if I think of one."
• Several possible solutions came to mind as we discussed the problem.
• His face came to mind when I heard the old song on the radio.

Advanced Usage

• The first thing that comes to mind: Used to introduce the most immediate or obvious thought in response to a question or situation.
  • The first thing that comes to mind when I hear "Paris" is the Eiffel Tower.
• Nothing comes to mind: Used to state that one cannot think of anything relevant at the moment.
  • I'm trying to remember his name, but nothing comes to mind.

Variants and Related Words

• Spring to mind: A very close synonym with a similar meaning of a thought appearing suddenly and effortlessly.
  • A similar example springs to mind.
• Occur to someone: A more formal verb phrase meaning to come into someone's mind.
  • It occurred to me that we had met before.

Synonyms

• Surface: (verb) To arise or become apparent.
• Pop into one's head: (idiomatic phrase) To come to mind very suddenly and informally.
• Cross one's mind: (idiomatic phrase) To be thought of briefly.

Related Idioms

• On the tip of one's tongue: Used when you are trying to remember something (like a name or word) that you feel you almost know but cannot recall fully. This describes the feeling just something comes to mind.
  • Her name is on the tip of my tongue.

Verb

1. be remembered
   • His name comes to mind when you mention the strike