an exceptional intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional intellect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who possesses a high level of intelligence or exceptional cognitive abilities. Example: "Her ability to solve complex problems quickly is a testament to her exceptional intellect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A man of exceptional intellect, Larry was a remarkable business and civic leader, a patron of the arts, and the beloved husband of Kathy Morrell Newman and father of Sharon, Todd and Sloan.

The New York Times

Marilyn was a woman with strong convictions and exceptional intellect.

The New York Times

Autistic people exhibit a range of intellectual ability, including exceptional intellect.

The Guardian

His exceptional intellect and quick wit made him a deeply respected and engaged member of our community.

The New York Times

He was known for his exceptional intellect, but his style as leader was also characterised by an acute sense of humour.

The Guardian

The professionals at McKinsey & Company have been mythologized as problem solvers of exceptional intellect and skill.

The New York Times - Arts

But an exceptional act has its exceptional reason.

The New Yorker

An exceptional crisis requires an exceptional response.

Science Magazine

Captain Reis, the officers said, had been an exceptional EA-6 pilot before commanding the carrier, and was highly regarded for his intellect and drive.

The New York Times

Still an exceptional talent.

The Guardian - Sport

This was an exceptional marriage".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with concrete examples of the person's achievements to provide a clear understanding of their intellectual capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "an exceptional intellect" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very smart" or "brilliant" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional intellect" functions as a noun phrase, where "exceptional" modifies the noun "intellect". It serves to describe a person or entity possessing remarkably high cognitive capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional intellect" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe someone possessing remarkably high cognitive capabilities. While relatively formal and more common in news, media, and professional contexts, according to Ludwig AI, it's important to ensure its appropriateness to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives like "remarkable intelligence" or "a brilliant mind" may be suitable in more informal settings. As suggested by Ludwig, concrete examples of a person's achievements can add clarity to their purported "exceptional intellect".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable intelligence

Focuses on the level of intelligence as being noteworthy or outstanding.

extraordinary mental capacity

Highlights the brain's ability to process information and solve problems.

profound cognitive ability

Emphasizes depth and insight in thinking processes.

a brilliant mind

A more concise and common way to describe someone highly intelligent.

high level of cognitive function

More technical and scientific, referring to the brain's processes.

outstanding intellectual prowess

Stresses skill and expertise in intellectual pursuits.

acute mental acuity

Focuses on the sharpness and clarity of thought.

superior reasoning skills

Emphasizes the ability to think logically and draw conclusions.

exceptional cognitive talent

Highlights a natural aptitude for intellectual tasks.

remarkable mental aptitude

Focuses on innate ability and potential in intellectual pursuits.

FAQs

How can I use "an exceptional intellect" in a sentence?

You can use "an exceptional intellect" to describe someone's superior cognitive abilities. For example: "Her ability to solve complex problems quickly is a testament to her "an exceptional intellect"".

What are some alternatives to "an exceptional intellect"?

Alternatives include "remarkable intelligence", "a brilliant mind", or "extraordinary mental capacity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an exceptional intellect" formal or informal?

It is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic contexts. Simpler terms might be preferable for casual conversation.

Can "an exceptional intellect" be used to describe animals or systems?

While technically possible, it is most commonly used to describe human beings. Using it for animals or systems might require careful contextualization to avoid sounding unnatural.