a smart boy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smart boy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a male child or young person who is intelligent or clever. Example: "The teacher praised him for being a smart boy who always completed his homework on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I wasn't a smart boy," he repeats.

The New York Times

He was a smart boy who had taken advanced English and math classes, and he planned to go to college.

The New York Times

He was a smart boy who lost his way at 11 when his father walked out on the family.

The Guardian - Music

"I wasn't a smart boy," he said, beginning with the memory of his teenage self, green to the newspaper business.

The New York Times

Yet of course he was a smart boy and has done well; Davis is now a professor of English at the State University of New York at Binghamton.

The New York Times - Books

"If I were you", said the woman, "and anybody told me I was a smart boy, I'd say, 'No I'm not".' "Why would you?" the boy asked.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"He's a smart, smart boy – he got a scholarship to the Royal College of Music.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Klein called his client "a good, smart boy who made a big mistake," and said that the ease with which he invaded government computers showed there was a security problem.

The New York Times

"You are a very smart boy," he has informed me, a few times now, after I came out with some unexpected fact or precocious bit of perception.

The New Yorker

Thinking "That baby is the cutest!" or "That's a really smart boy!" Is okay, but don't favor one child over another.

WikiHow

Though the participants are diverse, their roles are a bit formulaic: the smart boy, the good-looking girl, the gay youth, the sheltered small-town girl, the roguish boy with sex on his mind.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smart boy" to convey general intelligence and capability. If you want to highlight a particular skill or aptitude, consider adding a clarifying phrase, such as "a smart boy with computers" or "a smart boy in mathematics".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a smart boy" without providing specific examples or details. Generic descriptions lack impact. Instead, illustrate his intelligence with anecdotes or concrete accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smart boy" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying the noun "boy" with the adjective "smart". Ludwig's examples confirm this usage, illustrating how it describes a boy's intelligence or aptitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a smart boy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an intelligent male child. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts from news and media to informal conversations. While generally positive, consider the context to avoid any unintended patronizing implications. When writing, providing specific examples of the boy's intelligence can enhance the impact of your description. Consider alternative phrases like "an intelligent boy" or "a bright boy" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intelligent boy

Uses a different adjective with a similar meaning.

a bright boy

Replaces "smart" with "bright", a synonym for intelligence.

a clever boy

Substitutes "smart" with "clever", indicating quick-wittedness.

a gifted boy

Emphasizes innate talent rather than learned intelligence.

a sharp boy

Suggests keenness and quick understanding.

a quick-witted boy

Highlights the speed of his intellect.

an astute boy

Implies perceptiveness and shrewdness.

a knowledgeable boy

Focuses on the extent of his learning.

a precocious boy

Indicates advanced development in intelligence for his age.

a brainy boy

An informal term for a very intelligent boy.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "a smart boy"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an intelligent boy", "a gifted child", or "a bright young man". These alternatives /s/gifted+child, /s/intelligent+boy carry a similar meaning but are often perceived as more refined.

How can I use the phrase "a smart boy" in a sentence?

You can use "a smart boy" as a descriptive phrase within a sentence. For example, "Everyone in class agreed that he was "a smart boy"", or "The teacher recognized him as "a smart boy" with a bright future."

What is the difference between "a smart boy" and "a wise boy"?

"A smart boy" typically refers to intellectual ability and quickness of mind. "A wise boy", on the other hand, suggests experience, good judgment, and understanding beyond his years. While both relate to intelligence, wisdom implies a deeper, more mature form of insight.

Are there any negative connotations associated with calling someone "a smart boy"?

Generally, "a smart boy" is a positive descriptor. However, depending on the context and tone, it could be perceived as condescending or patronizing, especially if used sarcastically or to imply arrogance. For example, used sarcastically, a smart boy can imply arrogance and that they're a know it all.