a guiding intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a guiding intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an entity or force that provides direction or insight, often in a philosophical or metaphorical context. Example: "Many believe that the universe operates under a guiding intelligence that shapes our destinies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It feels more like a series of individual decisions than something with a guiding intelligence.

The Guardian - Arts

A guiding intelligence has replaced a guiding anger at the White House.

The New York Times

Lost is the seemingly obvious fact that the machines are useless without a guiding intelligence, better known as a teacher.

The New York Times

Good restoration requires not only skill, knowledge, sensitivity and suppression of ego, but also a guiding intelligence that informs the choices of detail.

The Guardian - Arts

It's true that the absence of Sunday Mba, left out for arriving late for the squad get-together in London –he said because of visa trouble – has robbed Nigeria of a guiding intelligence to link the pace of the rest of the front four but, against a side who attacked them, that seemed less of an issue than it had against Iran.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

One senses a gentle guiding intelligence behind everything in the making of this foursquare little production.

The New York Times - Books

Another agreed: "As soon as she stood up to say those words she changed herself from a sophisticated, mysterious guiding intelligence and beauty next to Hillary Clinton to the wife of a tarnished Anthony Weiner".

The New York Times

"'Hard Contract' has to be called an auteur film in the French sense because there is not a character, a line, a moment, which does not bear the impress of one guiding intelligence, Pogostin's," critic Charles Champlin wrote in The Times.

Los Angeles Times

In his book Enigma: the Battle for the Code, Hugh Sebag-Montefiore describes how Good annoyed Alan Turing, the great mathematician and guiding intelligence of the Bletchley operation, by taking a nap on the floor of Hut Eight during his first night shift.

The Guardian

Instead it has an eclectic, idiosyncratic spirit reflecting the magazine that is its guiding intelligence.

The New York Times

We will miss his guiding intelligence and passion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a guiding intelligence" when you want to emphasize the role of intellect in providing direction or insight, especially in complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a guiding intelligence" in contexts where simpler terms like 'leadership' or 'direction' would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a guiding intelligence" functions as a noun phrase, where 'guiding' acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun 'intelligence'. It describes an intellect that provides direction or insight, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a guiding intelligence" is a noun phrase that describes an intellect providing direction or insight. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although its occurrence is infrequent, the phrase is suitable for formal writing, emphasizing the role of intellect in strategic planning and insightful direction. To avoid overuse, consider simpler terms in straightforward contexts. Alternatives like "a leading intellect" or "a directing mind" offer nuanced substitutions, while "a guiding force" suggests a broader, less intellectual influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a directing mind

Emphasizes the act of directing and controlling.

a leading intellect

Focuses more on intellectual prowess rather than guidance.

an insightful leader

Combines intelligence with leadership qualities.

a guiding hand

Suggests a more subtle and supportive form of guidance.

a mastermind

Implies a high level of ingenuity and strategic planning.

a key architect

Emphasizes the creation and planning aspects.

a strategic thinker

Highlights the strategic aspect of intelligence.

a wise counsel

Conveys wisdom and advice rather than active direction.

a benevolent influence

Suggests a positive and helpful impact.

a central figure

Focuses on importance and centrality rather than guidance.

FAQs

How can I use "a guiding intelligence" in a sentence?

You can use "a guiding intelligence" to describe someone or something that provides direction or insight, such as "The project lacked "a guiding intelligence" to coordinate its various components."

What phrases are similar to "a guiding intelligence"?

Similar phrases include "a leading intellect", "a directing mind", or "a guiding hand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a guiding intelligence" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a guiding intelligence" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing strategic planning, intellectual leadership, or the importance of insightful direction.

What's the difference between "a guiding intelligence" and "a guiding force"?

"A guiding force" implies a broader, often less intellectual influence, while "a guiding intelligence" specifically highlights the role of intellect and strategic thinking in providing direction. A "guiding force" might be an ideology, while "a guiding intelligence" is a person or system demonstrating intellect.