an intelligent man

USAGE SUMMARY

"an intelligent man" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is particularly knowledgeable or adept, such as in the sentence: "The professor was an intelligent man, with an expansive knowledge of physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was an intelligent man, though he employed his intelligence in moderation.

Huffington Post

He's an intelligent man.

The New York Times

"You're an intelligent man.

The New York Times

NEWT GINGRICH is an intelligent man.

The Economist

Mr. Bernanke is undoubtedly an intelligent man.

The New York Times

Indeed he's an intelligent man.

The Guardian

Mr. Nasrat is an intelligent man.

The New York Times

He's an intelligent man, a good leader.

The New Yorker

"He's an intelligent man," Wright said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Obama is clearly an intelligent man.

The New York Times

Steve is an intelligent man but arrogant.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "an intelligent man", be specific about the context of their intelligence. Provide examples of their knowledge, skills, or problem-solving abilities to add depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "an intelligent man" without providing any supporting evidence or specific examples. This can come across as vague and unconvincing. Substantiate your claim with concrete details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intelligent man" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to characterize a male individual as possessing intelligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intelligent man" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a male individual with notable cognitive abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While generally appropriate, it's advisable to provide specific examples of intelligence to add depth and credibility to the description. Consider using alternatives like "a smart man" or "a knowledgeable man" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart man

Replaces "intelligent" with a more colloquial synonym, "smart".

a bright man

Substitutes "intelligent" with "bright", suggesting quick-wittedness.

a clever man

Replaces "intelligent" with "clever", implying resourcefulness and ingenuity.

a knowledgeable man

Focuses on the aspect of having acquired knowledge, rather than inherent intelligence.

a wise man

Suggests intelligence combined with experience and good judgment.

a brilliant man

Emphasizes a higher level of intelligence and exceptional talent.

a gifted man

Highlights innate talent and natural aptitude.

a sharp man

Indicates someone who is quick to understand and perceptive.

a perceptive man

Emphasizes the ability to understand people and situations accurately.

an astute man

Highlights shrewdness and the ability to assess situations advantageously.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intelligent man" to describe someone who possesses a high level of cognitive ability or understanding, for example: "The professor was "an intelligent man", known for his insightful lectures and groundbreaking research."

What are some alternatives to saying "an intelligent man"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a smart man", "a clever man", or "a knowledgeable man".

Is it appropriate to use "an intelligent man" in formal writing?

Yes, "an intelligent man" is generally appropriate in formal writing, though consider more nuanced alternatives like "an astute man" or "a perceptive man" for greater precision.

What's the difference between "an intelligent man" and "a wise man"?

"An intelligent man" typically refers to someone with strong cognitive abilities, while "a wise man" implies intelligence combined with experience and good judgment. A "wise man" not only understands but also applies knowledge effectively.