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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a intelligent mind

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a intelligent mind" is not correct in written English.
It should be "an intelligent mind" because "intelligent" begins with a vowel sound. Example: "She has an intelligent mind that allows her to solve complex problems quickly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I think this is a great book about a young girl with an intelligent mind who gets given an amazing opportunity to become SPECTRUM's new code breaker and how her restless temperament and general personality gets her in a sticky situations.

News & Media

The Guardian

"The undulating glass-and-steel structure was the largest building in the land, 40 meters tall and 400 long, the size of four football pitches, and yet the whole conveyed a sense of continuous lightness and ease, like an intelligent mind engaging effortlessly with complexity," he writes.

At Brown University he studied with Robert Coover and Edmund White, and he credited Mr. Coover ("He encouraged us to do anything but a conventional narrative") and Mr. White for having "such an intelligent mind about literature".

A very successful husband would be my choice because he would have an intelligent mind!" (I smiled at that one; actually I started to laugh!).

News & Media

Huffington Post

No one outside the District Attorney's circles, as far as we could discover, considered it obscene-the mere fact of its having prostitution for its theme not constituting, in an intelligent mind, obscenity.

News & Media

The New Yorker

In my experience, coaching high level executives and athletes on the power of the mind it has been clear that the pursuit of excellence and the tipping point of separation that takes one from good to great is much more about faith than talent, much more about trust than strength, and much more about wisdom than an intelligent mind.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Science fiction author H. G. Wells noted, "Pym tells what a very intelligent mind could imagine about the south polar region a century ago".

Inspired (in a misguided way) by the work of Einstein, whose book Relativity: The Special and General Theory he had aboard, the theme of Crowhurst's writing was that a sufficiently intelligent mind can overcome the constraints of the real world.

The verbal dexterity of Martha reveals a highly intelligent mind and wit; simply watching Jolie lounge and pose on the terrace reveals a dancer who was surely brilliant, her bitterness also belies a sharp intellect, even how disgusted she is by bad literature.

News & Media

Huffington Post

However, Vargo writes that "there is always a sense of an engaged and intelligent mind at work weighing what should be included, what seems accurate".

In the case of chess, success has not been an indication of anything remotely approaching a scheming (and so truly intelligent) mind.

News & Media

The Economist
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "an intelligent mind", ensuring correct grammar with the appropriate article before a word starting with a vowel sound.

Common error

Avoid using "a" before words that begin with a vowel sound. It's a common mistake to say "a intelligent mind" instead of the grammatically correct "an intelligent mind".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a descriptive noun phrase, aiming to characterize someone's intellectual capacity. However, it is grammatically incorrect as identified by Ludwig AI, requiring correction to "an intelligent mind" for proper usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a intelligent mind" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "an intelligent mind". Ludwig AI highlights this error, emphasizing the importance of using "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound. While the phrase aims to describe intellectual capability, its incorrect grammar undermines its effectiveness. Alternatives like "a clever mind" or "a bright mind" can be used, but ensuring grammatical accuracy is crucial for clear communication.

FAQs

Why is it incorrect to say "a intelligent mind"?

The phrase "a intelligent mind" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "an intelligent mind". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What are some alternatives to saying "an intelligent mind"?

Alternatives to "an intelligent mind" include "a clever mind", "a bright mind", or "a sharp mind", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How does the meaning change if I use "clever" instead of "intelligent"?

While both "intelligent" and "clever" suggest mental capacity, "clever" often implies quick-wittedness or ingenuity, whereas "intelligent" suggests a broader understanding and knowledge base. Using "a clever mind" might emphasize resourcefulness more than general intellect.

When should I use "an intelligent mind" versus "a brilliant mind"?

"An intelligent mind" is a general descriptor for someone with good reasoning and understanding. "A brilliant mind" implies exceptional intellectual ability, surpassing ordinary intelligence. Use "brilliant" when you want to emphasize exceptional intellect.

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Most frequent sentences: