Collocations are words that usually go together in English.
Here we are going to look at words that go with 'mind' to make useful and popular expressions you will hear in social and professional contexts.
Single-minded
If you are 'single-minded', then you focus your attention on one particular goal or aim.
Examples
- Alice was completely single-minded in her determination to start a business.
- The team had a single-minded will to win, which pleased their boss greatly.
- If you are too single-minded in your pursuit of success, you might neglect your family life.
Mind-boggling
If something is 'mind-boggling', then it is surprising or difficult to understand or imagine. You can also say that something 'boggles the mind'.
Examples
- It is mind-boggling to me that Steven hasn't been promoted yet. What more does he need to do?
- Why would the politician say something so obviously offensive on live TV? It boggles the mind!"
- The deal is worth a mind-boggling £350 million to the company over 5 years.
An (open/closed) mind
If you have 'an open/closed mind', you are willing/unwilling to consider new or different opinions to your own.
Examples
- Go into the meeting with an open mind. You might find that you learn something.
- David has such a closed mind when it comes to technology. He just cannot see the range of benefits it can bring.
- My boss is quite open-minded, so he welcomes fresh ideas and suggestions.
Mind (your) (own) business
When you 'mind your own business', you do not interfere in other people's affairs. Often used as an imperative.
Examples
- Person A: "Have you managed to sort things out with your wife yet?" Person B: "That's nothing to do with you. Mind your own business!"
- I asked Sarah if she needed any help with what she was working on, but she just told me to mind my business.
- I was just standing there, minding my own business, when suddenly an armed robber comes rushing out of the bank and into a getaway car!
(To/in) my mind
The collocations 'to/in my mind' express what you personally think or feel about somebody or something.
Examples
- Carol is a strong leader. To my mind, there's no one better to lead the project.
- Getting a mortgage early in life is much more advantageous than paying rent for years, in my mind.
- I know this film is getting rave reviews but, to my mind, the director's earlier work was much better.