What Does "keep in mind" Mean?
- The expression "keep in mind" means to remember something, to be aware of something, or to take something into consideration. It's a way of reminding someone of a fact, detail, or circumstance that is important to remember.
- The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "keep" and "mind" have their individual meanings, the combination creates a specific meaning that is more than the sum of its parts. You are not just 'keeping' a 'mind'; you are retaining information in your awareness.
- The register of "keep in mind" is neutral. It's appropriate in both casual and formal settings, although more formal alternatives exist.
How to Use It
- The grammatical pattern is verb + particle. "Keep in mind" functions as a phrasal verb, with "in mind" acting as an adverbial phrase specifying where to keep the information. The typical structure is:
Keep in mind + [noun phrase/clause].
- The object that follows "keep in mind" is usually a noun phrase representing the information to be remembered or a clause expressing a fact or consideration. Examples: "Keep in mind the deadline," "Keep in mind that the store closes early on Sundays."
- The components of "keep in mind" cannot be separated. It's incorrect to say "Keep the deadline in mind" unless you are rephrasing the sentence for emphasis.
- It sounds unnatural to use a different verb in place of "keep" (e.g., "hold in mind"). Incorrect prepositions (e.g., "keep on mind," "keep at mind") also sound unnatural.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from keep in mind on Ludwig.guru.
"Keep in mind, Dwight is only 26"." — The New York Times - Sports
"Keep in mind what was going on." — Forbes
"Keep in mind two limitations." — Princeton University
"A few things to keep in mind:." — BBC
"That's what I always keep in mind"." — BMC Family Practice
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/keep+in+mind
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| bear in mind |
More formal and slightly more emphatic than "keep in mind." |
| take into account |
Emphasizes considering something as a factor in a decision. |
| remember |
A direct and simple synonym, suitable for most situations. |
| be aware of |
Focuses on knowledge or consciousness of something. |
| don't forget |
Useful for emphasizing a reminder, often when there's a risk of overlooking something. |
| consider |
Implies a more thoughtful and deliberate evaluation. |
| take note of |
Suggests paying attention to something important. |
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong preposition: Saying "keep on mind" is incorrect. The correct preposition is "in."
- Confusing it with "have in mind": "Have in mind" means to be thinking about something or to have a plan, not necessarily to remember something. For example, "I have a trip to Italy in mind" means you are planning a trip.
- Separating the phrasal verb unnecessarily: While you can rephrase the sentence, avoid inserting words between "keep" and "in mind" (e.g., "Keep always in mind" sounds awkward).
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| keep in mind |
To remember something; to take something into consideration. |
Verb + Particle + Noun Phrase/Clause |
Neutral |
FAQs
Can I separate the words in "keep in mind," or do they always have to stay together?
The components of the phrasal verb "keep in mind" should generally stay together. While sentence structure can sometimes be rearranged for emphasis, inserting words between "keep" and "in mind" (e.g., "Keep always in mind") usually sounds awkward and is best avoided.
How is "keep in mind" different from "bear in mind"?
Both "keep in mind" and "bear in mind" mean to remember or consider something. However, "bear in mind" is generally considered more formal and slightly more emphatic than "keep in mind." You might choose "bear in mind" in more formal writing or when you want to strongly emphasize the importance of remembering something.
I sometimes say "keep on mind." Is that correct?
No, "keep on mind" is incorrect. The correct expression is "keep in mind." Using the wrong preposition is a common mistake. Remember that "in" is the correct preposition to use with "keep" when you want to convey the meaning of remembering or considering something.