a brilliant mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is exceptionally intelligent or insightful. Example: "Albert Einstein is often regarded as a scientist with a brilliant mind, capable of groundbreaking theories in physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has a brilliant mind.

The New York Times

She had a brilliant mind and a generous heart.

The New York Times

"He's such a good guy; he's such a brilliant mind.

The New York Times - Sports

"Charlie Sheen is a brilliant mind," Dykstra said.

The New Yorker

He's got a brilliant mind for that shit.

The Guardian - Film

Vera had a brilliant mind and a strong presence.

The New York Times

Patti was a naturally gifted painter, a brilliant mind, extraordinary mother and loving wife.

The New York Times

Dr. Sadanand Singh had not only a brilliant mind; he also had a huge heart.

The New York Times

This exclusion, harnessed to a brilliant mind and steel determination, fired the dynamo of his ambition.

The New York Times - Books

A brilliant mind, generous spirit, and passionate advocate for people with disabilities.

The New York Times

His quiet, consistently thoughtful demeanor belied a fierce commitment to principle and a brilliant mind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider pairing "a brilliant mind" with specific examples of the person's achievements or areas of expertise. For example: "She is a scientist with "a brilliant mind", particularly in the field of genetics."

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant mind" casually to describe someone displaying ordinary intelligence. Reserve it for individuals demonstrating exceptional cognitive abilities to maintain the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant mind" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to attribute a high level of intelligence or cognitive ability to an individual. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to praise or acknowledge someone's intellectual prowess.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brilliant mind" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone with exceptional intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news articles and formal settings, and authoritative sources like the The New York Times and The Guardian often employ it. While generally neutral in tone, be mindful of overuse and reserve it for individuals truly demonstrating exceptional cognitive abilities. Alternatives include "an exceptional intellect" or "a gifted thinker", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional intellect

Highlights intellectual capacity more directly.

a gifted thinker

Emphasizes natural talent and cognitive processes.

a genius

Implies a higher degree of innate intelligence.

a sharp intellect

Focuses on the keenness and precision of thought.

an astute mind

Suggests shrewdness and perceptive abilities.

a keen mind

Highlights eagerness and sharp understanding.

a prodigious intellect

Emphasizes the remarkable and extraordinary nature of the intellect.

a master intellect

Highlights complete mastery.

a luminous mind

Evokes clarity and brilliance of thought.

an ingenious mind

Emphasizes inventiveness and resourcefulness.

FAQs

How can I use "a brilliant mind" in a sentence?

You can use "a brilliant mind" to describe someone with exceptional intelligence. For example, "The scientist, known for "an exceptional intellect", developed a groundbreaking theory."

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant mind"?

Alternatives include "a gifted thinker", "a sharp intellect", or "a keen mind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a brilliant mind" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brilliant mind" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing someone with exceptional cognitive abilities. Be sure to provide context or examples to support the claim.

What distinguishes "a brilliant mind" from simply being 'intelligent'?

"A brilliant mind" suggests a higher degree of intellectual capacity, creativity, and insight compared to simply being 'intelligent'. It implies exceptional problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking.