a very intelligent man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very intelligent man" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who possesses a high level of intelligence or intellect. Example: "In our discussions, it became clear that he is a very intelligent man, always offering insightful perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A very intelligent man, very sharp".

Independent

"He is a very intelligent man.

The New York Times

"The manager is a very intelligent man.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think he's a very intelligent man," Elliott said.

The Washington Post

He's a very intelligent man, but you just didn't know.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He was a very intelligent man," Mwaanga said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The President was …a very intelligent man, very gracious to the children.

Forbes

"No, he was a very, very intelligent man," Ms. Casowitz said wistfully.

The New York Times

In short, Donald Trump is a very, very intelligent man.

Huffington Post

Family of an "avid motorcyclist" who died when his motorbike collided with a tractor have described him as "a quiet but very intelligent man".

BBC

When Obama was running for the Senate, "he came and spent three hours in my office, and I thought he was a very interesting, very intelligent man".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a very intelligent man", ensure the context provides some evidence or examples of his intelligence, rather than simply stating it as a fact.

Common error

Avoid using "a very intelligent man" as a standalone descriptor without providing any supporting information or examples to illustrate his intelligence. Describe specific instances where his intelligence is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very intelligent man" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying the noun "man". It serves to attribute a quality of high intelligence to the individual being described. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very intelligent man" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a male individual possessing a high level of intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in more formal business settings. While straightforward, remember to provide context or examples to substantiate the claim of intelligence. Alternatives include "an exceedingly bright man" or "a remarkably astute man", but the original phrase remains a widely understood and accepted descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceedingly bright man

Replaces "very intelligent" with a more emphatic synonym for intelligence.

a remarkably astute man

Substitutes "intelligent" with "astute", focusing on keenness and discernment.

a highly cerebral man

Uses "cerebral" to emphasize intellectualism and thoughtfulness.

a man of great intellect

Emphasizes the general quality of intellect rather than direct intelligence.

an exceptionally clever man

Replaces "intelligent" with "clever", highlighting quick-wittedness and ingenuity.

a particularly sharp man

Focuses on mental acuity and sharpness of mind.

a notably brilliant man

Uses "brilliant" to denote exceptional intelligence and talent.

a profoundly insightful man

Highlights the depth and understanding of the man's intelligence.

a man with a keen mind

Emphasizes the sharpness and eagerness of the man's intellect.

an extraordinarily knowledgeable man

Shifts the focus from raw intelligence to the extent of his knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "a very intelligent man" in a sentence?

You can use "a very intelligent man" to describe someone's intellect, such as: "The professor was "a very intelligent man", always providing insightful analysis during lectures."

What are some alternatives to saying "a very intelligent man"?

Alternatives include "a brilliant man", "a clever man", or "a sharp man", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very intelligent man"?

While "intelligent man" is sufficient, adding "very" emphasizes the degree of intelligence. Whether it's redundant depends on the context and the desired level of emphasis.

What is the difference between describing someone as "a very intelligent man" versus "a wise man"?

"A very intelligent man" emphasizes intellectual capacity and problem-solving skills, whereas "a wise man" suggests experience, good judgment, and understanding of life.