In one's mind, on one's mind

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Davidrock65

#219873 Wed, 26 Apr 06 07:48 AM

Whats the difference between in one's mind and on one's mind?

A. That's what she had in/on her mind.

B. I will always keep you in/on my mind.

C. What's on/in your mind? -- The answer is on, right? but why?

Davidrock65

Joined on Wed, Apr 19 2006

taipei

Full Member (237)

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nona the brit

#219879 Wed, 26 Apr 06 08:00 AM

If you search this forum you'll find a lot of information about this from other questions.

Basically, 'in mind' - something I am thinking about

'on my mind' - something I am worrying or fretting about. Something I'd rather not have to think about.

nona the brit

Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004

England

Veteran Member (11,450)

The name says it all.

Believer

#219895 Wed, 26 Apr 06 09:26 AM

Davidrock65 wrote:

Whats the difference between in one's mind and on one's mind?

A. That's what she had in/on her mind. (My guess is that it woul be "in")

B. I will always keep you in/on my mind. (My guess is that it would be "in")

C. What's on/in your mind? -- The answer is on, right? but why? (I think it would be "on")

Why? This is my perspective on things.

Try to imagine what the person who raised that question might have been thinking when he/she asked/raised that question.

Let's delve into his delicate yet complex head of his/hers and see, if possible. what that person might have been thinking when that person asked that question. Normally a person will bring that form (sort) of question up when he/she is sensing something awry. That's why I think he/she would have used the preposition "on" and not "in."

What's on your mind? -- What is worrying you? What are you so occupied about?

What is in your mind? -- What are you thinking?

Believer

Joined on Mon, Jan 2 2006

Contributing Member (1,969)

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Davidrock65

#219928 Wed, 26 Apr 06 12:45 PM

But why is there a song called "You are always on my mind," instead of "You are always in my mind?"

Davidrock65

Believer

#219952 Wed, 26 Apr 06 02:36 PM

Look at it this way. The title of the song "You are always on my mind" very well might refer to the notion that she/he is always occcupied by the thought of the one he/she loves.

Believer

Grammar Geek

#220035 Wed, 26 Apr 06 07:07 PM

Perhaps Nona was a little too restrictive - on my mind doesn't have to be an unpleasant thing. You are always on my mind COULD mean that I'm worrying about you, but it also can mean (and does in this song) that I think about you all the time.

Also, "in mind" (without the MY means) "intending or expecting."

Oh yes, that color scheme is exactly what I had in mind when I asked you to decorate the room.

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (16,094)

Barbara, who answers in American English.