being smart to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being smart to" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express that someone is being clever or wise about a specific action or decision, but it is not commonly used. Example: "Being smart to invest early can lead to greater financial security in the future."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He's being smart to do that".

The New Yorker

It's one of those compromises people think they're being smart to dream up; not a full ban, you understand, but a partial ban.

The Guardian

I've learned to shift from focusing on being smart to knowing what I know and knowing what I don't know, and when I need to rely on other people.

The New York Times

At age 5, children don't differentiate by gender who they predict will be "really, really smart," but by age 6 a significant difference emerges among both boy and girl respondents, with both attributing the characteristic of "being smart" to boys/men more than girls/women.

University of California, Berkeley

The top prize is $12,000 but all the spellers who make it to the nationals receive remuneration of at least $75. "Being smart to me is the passage way to the world, and spelling is one of those doors leading outward," Ari said, hoping it will pay off when he takes the Scholastic Assessment Tests.

The New York Times

And it's not just being smart to please your bosses, it's being smart so the show can survive.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Moss was smart to come.

The New Yorker

Zia was smart to hold out.

The New Yorker

Analysts say they were smart to change.

The New York Times

Market participants are smart to understand this.

The New York Times

Cruise is smart to take this line.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more standard phrasing like "being wise to" or "being clever to" for improved clarity and wider acceptance.

Common error

Avoid constructing phrases like "being smart to", as they often sound awkward. Instead, use established alternatives like "it's smart to", "wise to", or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being smart to" functions as a gerund phrase acting as an adjective, modifying an implied action or decision. It suggests that the act of 'being smart' is directed towards a specific purpose or outcome. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is not standard and can sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "being smart to" appears in some contexts, particularly in News & Media, it's considered grammatically incorrect and can sound awkward. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not a standard English construction. Therefore, it is more effective to use alternatives like "being wise to", "it's smart to", or rephrase the sentence entirely for clarity and wider acceptance. When communicating in formal or professional settings, it's best to avoid this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showing good judgment

Focuses on the quality of judgment displayed in a situation.

making a wise decision

Emphasizes the wisdom behind a choice, offering a more formal tone.

taking a prudent step

Underscores the careful and cautious nature of an action.

acting intelligently

Focuses on the manner of acting rather than a specific action's cleverness.

navigating cleverly

Suggests skillful maneuvering through challenges or complexities.

demonstrating foresight

Highlights the ability to anticipate future outcomes.

adopting a clever strategy

Specifies the use of a strategy, implying a planned approach.

exercising discretion

Implies careful and responsible decision-making.

being astute in

Highlights cleverness and perception in a particular context.

handling skillfully

Emphasizes competence and expertise in managing a situation.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "being smart to"?

Consider using phrases like "being wise to", "being clever to", or "it is smart to" for improved clarity and naturalness.

Is "being smart to" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "being smart to" is not a standard or widely accepted grammatical construction. It's better to use more conventional phrasing.

How can I use "being smart to" in a sentence?

Although not recommended, you might use it in informal contexts. However, rewriting the sentence with phrases like "it's smart to" or "being wise to" will enhance clarity and grammatical correctness.

What's the difference between "being smart to" and "it is smart to"?

"It is smart to" is a more grammatically sound and widely accepted way to express that an action is intelligent or strategic. "Being smart to" can sound awkward or non-idiomatic.