ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have sb/sth in mind for sth

idiom.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

idiom. to think of a specific person or thing as a good choice for a particular job or purpose.

idiom. to consider a specific person or entity as a suitable candidate or option for a designated role or task.


SIMPLE

I have a great person in mind for the manager job.

CONTEXTUAL

The director already had a specific actor in mind for the lead role before the auditions began.

COMPLEX

While the committee debated several candidates, the chairperson clearly had a local firm in mind for the construction contract from the outset.

Usage

The first object is the person or thing being considered, and the second is the purpose or role.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'keep in mind' (to remember); 'have in mind for' is specifically about selection or suitability for a future goal.

Pitfall

I have in mind him for the job.I have him in mind for the job.The person or thing you are thinking of must come between 'have' and 'in mind'.

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