a powerful intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful intellect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong and capable mind, often in contexts discussing intelligence, creativity, or critical thinking. Example: "Her ability to solve complex problems quickly is a testament to her powerful intellect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The essence of a powerful intellect is, precisely, power — including over one's own mind and its wider, non-intellectual workings — and no one should be surprised at what intellectuals can talk or think themselves into or out of.

The New Yorker

Agree with him or not, this is a powerful book written by a powerful intellect.

The New York Times

On Thursday, as Sessions emerged, glowing, from a meeting in Trump Tower, he called Bannon a "powerful intellect".

The New Yorker

Recent polls, though, show that his opponent, Carly Fiorina, has overtaken his lead, and Campbell's greatest assets — policy expertise and a powerful intellect — now seem to be handicaps.

The New Yorker

Throughout his career he combined a powerful intellect with deep erudition, an uninhibited approach to established theory, and an inventive compositional style guaranteed to maintain his readers' attention.

The Guardian

True, he had a powerful intellect, but compared with that of his more urbane friend and neighbor Thomas Jefferson, Madison's intellectual appetite, fixed as it was on political history and theory, seemed narrow, circumscribed.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

His staff knew him affectionately as "Mr Paul" and one former colleague described him as having "an incredibly powerful intellect".

The Guardian

In a statement, Mr. Mack said: "Bayo Ogunlesi is a banker of powerful intellect, integrity and innovation.

The New York Times

He was a man whose powerful intellect drew the notice of influential patrons and enabled him to leapfrog most of his cohort in the Foreign Service.

The New York Times

He will be remembered as an engineer's engineer with an extraordinary memory and powerful intellect, coupled with boundless curiosity, impeccable courtesy, and an impish sense of humor.

The New York Times

A man of vigorous, powerful intellect and wide learning, Krleža wrote with great intensity, fearlessly criticizing political and social injustices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone with "a powerful intellect", provide specific examples of their achievements or thinking to support the claim. This adds credibility and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful intellect" as a generic compliment. Instead, focus on the person's specific intellectual strengths, such as their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, or creative thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful intellect" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a descriptor to attribute a high level of intelligence or cognitive ability to a person. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable. It serves to highlight the strength and capacity of someone's mind.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful intellect" is a descriptive phrase used to denote a high level of intelligence and cognitive ability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Formal Business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you provide specific examples to support your claim about someone's intellectual capabilities. Alternatives such as "a sharp mind" or "a keen intellect" can be used depending on the specific aspect of intelligence you want to highlight. Overall, the phrase is well-regarded and frequently used in professional and informative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional intellect

Highlights the rarity and uniqueness of the intellect.

a brilliant mind

Highlights the exceptional and radiant quality of the intellect.

a keen intellect

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and interest that drives the intelligence.

a profound intellect

Emphasizes the depth and insightfulness of the intellect.

a gifted mind

Highlights the innate talent associated with the intellect.

a sharp mind

Focuses on the quickness and acuity of thought, rather than just the power.

a towering intellect

Suggests an intellect that is superior and stands out.

an astute mind

Focuses on the perceptiveness and shrewdness of the intellect.

a formidable mind

Stresses the intimidating and impressive nature of the intellect.

a strong mind

Focuses on the resilience and determination of the intellect.

FAQs

How can I use "a powerful intellect" in a sentence?

You can use "a powerful intellect" to describe someone who demonstrates exceptional mental capabilities. For example, "Her success in quantum physics is a testament to her powerful intellect".

What are some alternatives to saying "a powerful intellect"?

Alternatives include "a sharp mind", "a keen intellect", or "a brilliant mind". Each of these emphasizes different aspects of intelligence. You can explore "a sharp mind", "a keen intellect", or "a brilliant mind" as alternatives.

Is it more appropriate to say "a powerful intellect" or "a strong intellect"?

"A powerful intellect" emphasizes the capacity and capability of the mind, while "a strong intellect" suggests resilience and mental fortitude. The better choice depends on the specific attribute you want to highlight.

Can "a powerful intellect" be used to describe something other than a person?

While typically used to describe people, "a powerful intellect" could metaphorically describe a system or technology that exhibits advanced problem-solving abilities, though this is less common.