a very smart thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very smart thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or decision that is considered wise or intelligent. Example: "Investing in renewable energy is a very smart thing to do for the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Not a very smart thing to say".

The New York Times - Sports

That was probably a very smart thing.

The New York Times

"Probably not a very smart thing to do," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Colin and I agreed that we thought this was a very good idea, a very smart thing to do.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a very smart thing for an American to do," says Jay A. Halfond, dean of Boston University Metropolitan College, the continuing education arm that administers the program.

The New York Times

"It really wasn't a very smart thing for him to do, because it was all directly traceable to him," said Mr. DeLuise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

This is, of course, a very, very smart thing.

The Guardian - Books

He will be remembered for doing one very smart thing and two very stupid things.

The Guardian

To be clear, I think that having smart people who do very smart things explain what they doing in a way that everyone can understand is a good thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

He wrote some very smart things.

The Guardian

Right at the start she did two very smart things: learned Russian and embraced the Russian Orthodox faith, which immediately endeared her to the Russian people.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very smart thing" to positively reinforce or commend a decision, action, or idea you believe is well-thought-out and effective.

Common error

Avoid using "a very smart thing" sarcastically without clear context, as it can be misinterpreted as genuine praise. Ensure your tone or additional cues indicate your true intention if using it ironically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very smart thing" functions primarily as a subject complement or an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a quality or attribute of a particular action, decision, or idea. Ludwig AI indicates that this is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very smart thing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses approval or commendation for an intelligent or wise action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. While versatile across various contexts, it appears most frequently in News & Media sources. When writing, ensure that the context and tone align with your intended meaning, especially when using it sarcastically. Consider alternatives like ""a wise decision"" or ""a clever move"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wise decision

Replaces "smart" with "wise", emphasizing good judgment and experience.

a clever move

Substitutes "smart" with "clever", highlighting ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

an intelligent action

Uses "intelligent" instead of "smart", focusing on the rational and analytical aspect.

a prudent step

Replaces "smart" with "prudent", stressing carefulness and foresight.

a sensible approach

Substitutes "smart thing" with "sensible approach", emphasizing practicality and reason.

a judicious choice

Uses "judicious" instead of "smart", focusing on sound judgment and discretion.

a bright idea

Replaces "thing" with "idea", indicating an inventive or innovative thought.

a canny strategy

Substitutes "smart" with "canny", highlighting shrewdness and resourcefulness.

a sagacious act

Uses "sagacious" instead of "smart", emphasizing wisdom and keen perception.

a strategic maneuver

Replaces "smart thing" with "strategic maneuver", focusing on planned and calculated action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very smart thing" to describe an action, decision, or idea that is intelligent and well-considered. For example: "Investing in renewable energy is "a very smart thing" to do."

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

Alternatives include "a wise decision", "a clever move", or "an intelligent action". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a very smart thing" is generally appropriate in formal writing, though consider alternatives like "a prudent step" or "a sensible approach" for a more sophisticated tone.

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

Adding "very" to "a smart thing" intensifies the degree of intelligence or wisdom attributed to the action or decision. "A smart thing" simply indicates that something is intelligent, while "a very smart thing" emphasizes that it's particularly intelligent.