In mind / on mind

Question

Hello,

I'd like to ask you to explain me the difference between the prepositions IN/ON mind in the following question:

Have you anything particular in mind?

Moreover, is that question correct? Isn't there missing the word GOT- "Have you got anything particular in mind?" or I would also ask: "Do you have anything particular in mind?"

Many thanks in advance for your clarifications.

L.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

luclucI'd like to ask you to explain me the difference between the prepositions IN/ON mind in the following question:Have you anything particular in mind?

"On" is not possible there. You can have something on your mind, but not on mind. To have something in mind is to have made a selection beforehand. To have something on your mind is to be preoccupied with something.

luclucMoreover, is that question correct? Isn't there missing the word GOT- "Have you got anything particular in mind?"

Americans tend to use "have" for possession, and the Brits tend to use "have got". Americans use "have got" sometimes. I don't know what a Brit would say there, but this American would say "Have you got anything particular in mind?" before he would say "Have you anything particular in mind?", which sounds rather stilted.

lucluc I would also ask: "Do you have anything particular in mind?"

That is by far the usual way of putting it here on the East Coast of the US.

In mind / on mind

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