a very smart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very smart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that possesses a high level of intelligence or cleverness. Example: "She is a very smart student who consistently excels in her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"A very smart man".

The New Yorker

It's a very smart brand".

The New York Times

He's a very smart, intellectual guy.

The New York Times - Sports

Not a very smart thing to say".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a very smart move.

The New York Times

The millennials are a very smart generation.

The New York Times

That was probably a very smart thing.

The New York Times

He's a very smart baseball player".

The New York Times - Sports

"A very smart move," he added.

The New York Times

"She's a very smart, political woman.

Independent

He's obviously a very smart guy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a very smart", follow up with specific examples of their intelligence in action. For instance, "He's a very smart negotiator, always finding mutually beneficial solutions."

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is "a very smart" without providing evidence or examples to support your claim. Without context, it can sound generic and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very smart" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, attributing to it the quality of being highly intelligent or clever. Ludwig examples show its versatile usage, modifying people, ideas, decisions and plans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very smart" is a common and generally neutral descriptive adjective phrase used to denote high intelligence or cleverness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in English. It's versatile, applicable to people, ideas, or actions, and can be replaced with more formal alternatives like "highly intelligent" or "extremely clever" for different contexts. When using "a very smart", providing specific examples to support the claim will make your writing more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly intelligent

Emphasizes the level of intelligence more directly.

extremely clever

Highlights ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

remarkably astute

Focuses on keen observation and judgment.

exceptionally bright

Highlights mental sharpness and quick understanding.

decidedly ingenious

Emphasizes inventiveness and resourcefulness.

particularly sharp

Highlights quickness in understanding and responding.

notably brilliant

Emphasizes exceptional talent and intellectual prowess.

considerably wise

Focuses on the depth of understanding and good judgment.

unusually perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand and interpret things accurately.

quite the intellect

Uses an idiomatic expression to denote a high level of intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very smart" to describe a person, idea, or action. For example, "She's "a very smart student"", "That was "a very smart move"", or "He is "a very smart player"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a very smart"?

You can use alternatives like "highly intelligent", "extremely clever", or "remarkably astute" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a very smart" or "very intelligent"?

Both "a very smart" and "very intelligent" are acceptable, but "a very smart" is often used in more informal contexts, while "very intelligent" may sound slightly more formal. The choice depends on the tone you want to create.

Can "a very smart" be used to describe things or only people?

"A very smart" can be used to describe both people and things. For example, you can say "He's "a very smart guy"" or "It's "a very smart idea"". The term indicates a high degree of intelligence or cleverness, regardless of what it modifies.