a smart decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smart decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a choice or action that demonstrates good judgment or wisdom. Example: "Choosing to invest in renewable energy was a smart decision for the company, as it aligns with future sustainability goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a smart decision".

The New York Times

"So it was a smart decision".

The New York Times

I want to really make a smart decision.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a smart decision," Mr. Domenici said.

The New York Times

"You made a smart decision a little too late".

The New York Times

That was probably a smart decision, because the deal nearly pushed Boston Scientific into bankruptcy.

The New York Times

It bought them anyway, and this was arguably a smart decision at the time.

The New Yorker

"They made a smart decision to go after arms," Moeller said.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems obvious that the proprietors of the Ginger Man made a smart decision.

The New York Times

"I think it was a smart decision," the Bucs' Warren Sapp said yesterday, defending Shanahan.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a smart decision in a show that is so self-referential.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smart decision" when you want to emphasize the positive outcome or benefit resulting from a choice. It conveys approval and suggests foresight.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a smart decision". Vary your language by using alternatives like "a wise choice" or "a prudent move" to maintain writing variety and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smart decision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smart decision" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey approval of a well-reasoned choice. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting to business communications and general conversation. While "a smart decision" is a great phrase it is recommended to vary the language used using alternatives like "a wise choice", "a clever move", or "a strategic step". Remember to use it when you want to highlight the intelligence and foresight behind a decision, but be mindful of overuse and consider alternative phrases for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wise choice

Emphasizes the wisdom and good judgement behind the decision.

a prudent move

Highlights the careful and cautious nature of the decision.

a clever action

Focuses on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the decision.

a strategic step

Implies that the decision was made with a long-term plan in mind.

a sound judgment

Stresses the reliability and accuracy of the decision.

a judicious determination

Highlights the careful consideration and balanced perspective involved.

a well-advised course of action

Suggests that the decision was based on good advice and guidance.

a canny resolution

Emphasizes the shrewdness and astuteness of the decision.

a sagacious call

Highlights the profound wisdom and insight behind the decision.

an intelligent selection

Focuses on the intellectual capacity that underlies the decision

FAQs

How can I use "a smart decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a smart decision" to describe a choice or action that demonstrates good judgment. For example, "Investing in renewable energy was "a smart decision" for the company."

What can I say instead of "a smart decision"?

You can use alternatives like "a wise choice", "a clever move", or "a strategic step depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "an smart decision"?

No, it is incorrect. Since "smart" begins with a consonant sound, the correct article is "a", not "an". The correct phrase is "a smart decision".

What's the difference between "a smart decision" and "a good decision"?

"A smart decision" implies that the decision was not only beneficial but also demonstrated foresight and intelligence, while "a good decision" simply means the decision had a positive outcome. "A smart decision" conveys a higher level of thoughtfulness and strategic thinking.