a smart idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"a smart idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a good and sensible proposal or plan. For example: "I think buying a rental property is a smart idea for generating passive income."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's just a smart idea".

The New York Times

This was a smart idea.

The New York Times - Books

A smart idea.

The Guardian - Tech

That could be a smart idea.

The New York Times

It's a smart idea, impressively realised.

The Guardian - Music

The theatre setting is a smart idea.

The Guardian - Books

It's a smart idea, smartly executed.

The Guardian - Books

"That's a smart idea, Kristy," Stacey said.

The New Yorker

In one sense, this seems like a smart idea.

The New York Times

It was a smart idea, Ms. Waide said.

The New York Times

A quick burial at sea was also a smart idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When praising a suggestion, use "a smart idea" to indicate that it's not only intelligent but also practical and well-considered.

Common error

While "a smart idea" is generally applicable, avoid overuse in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "a clever plan" or "an ingenious solution" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smart idea" functions as a noun phrase, where 'smart' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'idea'. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound expression frequently used to denote a well-conceived or intelligent concept. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its versatility across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smart idea" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to express approval of a plan or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. While versatile, consider the context and audience. For formal settings, opting for synonyms like "a well-thought-out proposal" may be preferable. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media sources. To avoid repetition, diversify your language with related phrases such as "a clever plan" or "an ingenious solution". Remember, context is key!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever plan

Replaces 'smart' with 'clever', emphasizing ingenuity.

an ingenious solution

Substitutes 'idea' with 'solution' and 'smart' with 'ingenious', highlighting inventiveness.

a brilliant concept

Uses 'brilliant' instead of 'smart', conveying exceptional intelligence.

a wise course of action

Replaces 'idea' with 'course of action' and 'smart' with 'wise', focusing on prudence.

a strategic move

Emphasizes planning and foresight, replacing 'idea' with 'move'.

a shrewd strategy

Uses 'shrewd' to highlight practicality and sharp thinking.

a bright approach

Replaces 'smart' with 'bright' and 'idea' with 'approach', suggesting optimism.

a well-thought-out proposal

Highlights the planning behind the idea.

a sensible suggestion

Focuses on the practicality and reasonableness of the idea.

a judicious plan

Implies careful consideration and good judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smart idea" to express agreement or approval of a plan or suggestion. For example: "Implementing this new software is "a smart idea" to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "a smart idea"?

Alternatives include "a clever plan", "an ingenious solution", or "a wise course of action", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a smart idea" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider more sophisticated synonyms such as "a well-thought-out proposal" or "a judicious plan".

When is it not appropriate to describe something as "a smart idea"?

Avoid using "a smart idea" sarcastically or when the idea is clearly flawed or impractical. Instead, offer constructive criticism or suggest a better "smarter idea".