An entity within a mental space established by a specific linguistic expression. Elements are entities which can either be constructed on-line in the moment of thinking and speaking or can relate to pre-existing entities in the conceptual system. The linguistic expressions that serve to prompt for elements are noun phrases (NPs). These include linguistic expressions like names (Fred, Elvis, Madonna, Elizabeth Windsor, Tony Blair, James Bond), descriptions (the Queen, the Prime Minister, a green emerald, a Whitehouse intern, an African elephant), and pronouns (she, he, they, it).

Elements in distinct mental spaces can serve as counterparts if connectors are established between them.