become smart about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become smart about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of gaining knowledge or understanding about a particular subject or topic. Example: "To succeed in this industry, you need to become smart about the latest technologies and trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now that 16-year-olds, whose granddads live in jeans, bomber jackets and baseball caps, have turned back to the sartorial, London's traditional Savile Row brands have become smart about the young generation.

The New York Times

Activists who cut their teeth counting commercial minutes on limited, programmed, and linear channels need to become smart about evolving media.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As we become smarter about how to live in cities, those businesses will disappear.

The New York Times

"People have become smarter about these sorts of things, so is it harder to cast?

The New York Times - Arts

What if people become smarter about saving only what they really need?

The New York Times

There's a sense in which we have to become smarter about how we fight these women's issues and recruit new people.

The Guardian

And some school spending has been wasteful; indeed, skepticism about the value of increases in education spending can help force schools to become smarter about how tax dollars are used.

The New York Times

The police have broken up large races before -- officers issued 91 tickets at a Jones Beach drag race in August 2002 -- and drivers have become smarter about organizing races, Inspector White said.

The New York Times

As people become smarter about the Internet, they will increasingly use bookmarks on their browsers rather than aggregators to get their news and information".

Forbes

Users will find that companies become smarter about communicating with them — both to sell them stuff and to provide support and services.

TechCrunch

"StreetEasy is an excellent strategic fit with Zillow, as we share a common goal: To help consumers become smarter about real estate by communicating comprehensive, unbiased information about apartments and homes," said Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff in the statement.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become smart about", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific subject or area in which knowledge is being acquired.

Common error

Avoid using "become smart about" in contexts where the desired outcome is simply awareness or familiarity. This phrase implies a more active and in-depth learning process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become smart about" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring knowledge or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable and appropriate in English. It suggests an active effort to gain competence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become smart about" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of gaining knowledge or understanding in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not extremely common, with limited examples, its usage is consistent and primarily found in news and media contexts. It's important to consider the specific context and nuance when choosing this phrase over alternatives like "get informed about" or "gain expertise in". Remember to use "become smart about" when highlighting active learning and in-depth understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become knowledgeable in

Highlights gaining a wider knowledge base in a specific subject.

get informed about

Focuses on acquiring information, rather than necessarily becoming skilled or knowledgeable.

gain expertise in

Implies developing a high level of skill or knowledge through training or experience.

develop an understanding of

Highlights the process of comprehension and insight, rather than practical application.

familiarize oneself with

Suggests becoming acquainted with something, often implying a preliminary stage of learning.

educate oneself on

Emphasizes the act of learning through formal or informal methods.

get up to speed on

Suggests quickly acquiring the necessary knowledge to function effectively.

learn the ropes of

Refers to learning the basic procedures or practices of a particular activity or job.

sharpen one's knowledge of

Focuses on refining existing knowledge and skills, suggesting a prior foundation.

get the hang of

Emphasizes the process of learning how to do something, often through trial and error.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "become smart about"?

Consider alternatives such as "get informed about", "gain expertise in", or "develop an understanding of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become smart at" instead of "become smart about"?

While "become smart at" isn't grammatically incorrect, "become smart about" is generally preferred when referring to a subject or area of knowledge. "Become smart at" is better suited when referring to an activity or skill.

What does it mean to "become smart about" something?

To "become smart about" something means to actively learn and gain knowledge or understanding in a particular area. It implies more than just superficial awareness; it suggests developing a deeper level of insight and competence.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "become smart about"?

It is suitable in contexts where someone needs to gain significant knowledge or skills to make informed decisions or perform effectively, for example: "To succeed in business, you need to "become smart about" financial management".