a smart thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smart thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action or decision that is considered wise or intelligent. Example: "Choosing to invest in renewable energy is a smart thing to do for the environment and the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a smart thing to do".

The New Yorker

Then we did a smart thing.

Independent

That was a smart thing to do.

The Economist

Not a smart thing to say.

The Guardian - Business

The producers did a smart thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think it's a smart thing to just cancel everything".

Independent

"That's not a smart thing to say," Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

I think they are doing a smart thing".

The New York Times

"It's a smart thing to do," he said.

The New York Times

It might be a smart thing to do.

The New York Times

That's just a smart thing to do, business-wise".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smart thing" to describe a decision or action that demonstrates intelligence, foresight, or good judgment. Ensure the context clearly indicates why the thing is considered smart.

Common error

While "a smart thing" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound simplistic. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "a judicious decision" or "a strategic move" in professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smart thing" functions as a noun phrase, where "smart" is an adjective modifying the noun "thing". It describes an action, decision, or idea considered intelligent or wise. As evidenced by examples in Ludwig, the phrase often appears in constructions like "a smart thing to do."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a smart thing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an action or decision perceived as intelligent, wise, or beneficial. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, though formal settings may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often used to express approval or endorsement, with examples found across reputable news and media sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "a wise decision" or "an intelligent move" for variety. Avoid overusing it in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wise decision

Emphasizes the wisdom and good judgment behind the choice.

an intelligent move

Highlights the calculated and thoughtful nature of the action.

a clever idea

Focuses on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the plan.

a sensible approach

Stresses the practicality and reasonability of the method.

a prudent step

Indicates caution and foresight in the action taken.

a judicious action

Highlights the careful consideration and balanced judgment involved.

a strategic play

Emphasizes the calculated and tactical aspect of the decision.

a bright idea

Focuses on the innovation and potential of the plan.

a canny move

Highlights shrewdness and business sense in the decision.

a sagacious choice

Indicates profound wisdom and insight in the decision-making process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smart thing" to describe an action or decision that is considered intelligent or wise. For example: "Investing in renewable energy is "a smart thing" to do for the environment."

What are some alternatives to "a smart thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a wise decision", "an intelligent move", or "a clever idea".

Is "a smart thing to do" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a smart thing to do" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a sensible or intelligent action. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

When should I avoid using "a smart thing"?

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "a smart thing" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone. Consider "a judicious action" or "a strategic play".