ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have sb/sth in mind

fixed phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. to be thinking of a specific person, thing, or plan for a particular purpose.

fixed phr.. to possess a preconceived idea, candidate, or plan suitable for a specific context or requirement.


SIMPLE

Do you have a specific date in mind for the party?

CONTEXTUAL

I'm looking for a new car, but I don't have any particular model in mind yet.

COMPLEX

The committee already had several qualified candidates in mind before the official recruitment process even commenced.

Usage

the object (sb/sth) usually sits between 'have' and 'in mind', though it can follow the whole phrase if the object is a long clause.

Teaching tip

contrast this with 'keep in mind', which means to remember or consider a fact, whereas 'have in mind' refers to a specific choice or idea you are already considering.

Pitfall

I have in mind a plan.I have a plan in mind.the object usually comes between 'have' and 'in mind' unless the object is very long or complex.

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