a keen intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a keen intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has sharp mental abilities or is quick to understand and learn. Example: "Her success in the challenging field of science can be attributed to her keen intelligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

There was also a keen intelligence.

The Guardian - Sport

But the overriding spirit she conveyed was joy filtered through a keen intelligence.

The New York Times - Arts

Charity and kindness was the essence of his character and personality along with a keen intelligence.

The New York Times

He had a quick wit and a keen intelligence, and loved people, art and literature.

The New York Times

"Passion Play" is the product of a keen intelligence deeply engaged by ideas.

The New York Times

She is the most luminous of BBC presenters, combining beauty and a keen intelligence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Kidnapped," which is filmed with a keener intelligence and elegant restraint, focuses on a much smaller catastrophe and finds more to say.

The New York Times - Arts

"He also had a very good sense of humour which fits in with that persona, and obviously there was a very keen intelligence there as well.

BBC

Mr. Fox, a man of keen intelligence who nonetheless likes to describe himself as a high school dropout, did not have a clear idea at the beginning how his foundation would operate.

The New York Times

He is a sensitive artist with a resourceful technique and keen intelligence, best known as an interpreter of the 19th-century European masters.

The New York Times

President Gregory H. Williams and The City College of New York mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Claire Flom, a woman of keen intelligence, elegance and grace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "a keen intelligence" to emphasize not just their knowledge, but also their ability to apply it effectively.

Common error

While "a keen intelligence" is appropriate in many situations, consider using more casual terms like "smart" or "bright" in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a keen intelligence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor or attribute of a person or entity. It denotes a high degree of mental sharpness, insight, and understanding, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a keen intelligence" is a phrase used to describe someone with sharp, insightful, and quick-thinking mental abilities. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While grammatically sound and frequently found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is crucial to consider the formality of the setting. Alternatives such as "a sharp intellect" or "a brilliant mind" may be more appropriate in informal conversations. Ultimately, its usage adds depth to descriptions of intellectual prowess, emphasizing not only knowledge but also the ability to apply it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp intellect

Replaces "intelligence" with "intellect", emphasizing intellectual capacity.

a brilliant mind

Uses "brilliant" instead of "keen", highlighting exceptional mental ability.

an astute mind

Emphasizes perceptiveness and insightfulness.

a discerning intellect

Highlights the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

a perceptive understanding

Focuses on the depth and accuracy of comprehension.

a quick mind

Highlights the speed and agility of thought.

a profound intellect

Emphasizes the depth and complexity of the person's intellect.

a remarkable intellect

Highlights the extraordinary quality of the person's intellect.

an incisive intellect

Emphasizes the ability to cut through complexity and get to the heart of the matter.

an exceptional intellect

Highlights the superior quality of intellect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a keen intelligence" to describe someone's ability to quickly understand complex situations. For example, "Her success is attributed to "a keen intelligence" and dedication."

What are some alternatives to "a keen intelligence"?

Alternatives include "a sharp intellect", "a brilliant mind", or "an astute mind". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "keen intelligence" or "high intelligence"?

"Keen intelligence" suggests sharpness and quickness of understanding, while "high intelligence" primarily denotes a high level of intellectual capacity. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the speed and precision or the overall level.

What does it mean to describe someone as having "a keen intelligence"?

Describing someone as having "a keen intelligence" implies that they possess a sharp, perceptive, and quick-thinking mind. They are not only intelligent but also insightful and adept at problem-solving.