a very smart man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very smart man" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is exceptionally intelligent or knowledgeable. Example: "In our discussions, it became clear that he is a very smart man, always providing insightful perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"A very smart man".

The New Yorker

"This man was a very smart man.

The Guardian - Arts

You are a very smart man.

The New York Times

Sometimes he is a very smart man.

The New York Times

He's a very smart man, very warm.

The Guardian

He must have been a very smart man".

The New Yorker

He is a very smart man and very courageous too".

The Guardian

"Jerry's a very smart man," Brian Schneider said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's a very smart man, but he lacks emotional intelligence".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"He's still pretty sharp, still a very, very smart man," Newman said.

The New York Times

(He's an educated and very smart man, but not the type to sit in front of a computer reading about calendars).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a very smart man", provide specific examples or anecdotes to illustrate their intelligence, such as their problem-solving skills or insightful contributions.

Common error

Avoid using "a very smart man" as a generic compliment. Instead, focus on specific aspects of their intelligence or skills to provide a more nuanced and impactful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very smart man" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used to describe a person's intelligence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a very smart man" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe someone possessing high intelligence. Ludwig confirms this, showcasing its prevalence across diverse sources. While appropriate for general use, consider more formal synonyms such as "a highly intelligent man" in academic or professional settings. Remember to provide specific examples when using the phrase, to enhance its impact. It is frequently found in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intelligent man

Focuses directly on intelligence as a key characteristic.

a highly intelligent man

Emphasizes a high degree of intelligence.

a brilliant man

Highlights exceptional intellectual ability.

a clever man

Suggests quick-wittedness and ingenuity.

a wise man

Implies deep understanding and good judgment.

a knowledgeable man

Focuses on the breadth of knowledge.

a sharp man

Indicates mental acuity and quickness.

a bright man

Highlights intellectual potential and clarity.

an astute man

Suggests keen observation and discernment.

a sagacious man

Implies profound wisdom and insight.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very smart man" to describe someone with high intelligence or keen insight. For example, "The professor is "a very smart man", always providing insightful commentary during lectures."

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

Alternatives include "an intelligent man", "a brilliant man", or "a wise man", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a very smart man" in formal writing?

Yes, "a very smart man" is generally appropriate, but consider more formal alternatives like "a highly intelligent man" for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a very smart man" and "a clever man"?

"A very smart man" generally implies a broad level of intelligence and knowledge, while "a clever man" suggests quick-wittedness and ingenuity in specific situations.