doing something smart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing something smart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action that is considered intelligent or wise. Example: "By investing in renewable energy, the company is doing something smart for both its future and the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Maybe they're doing something smart".

The New York Times - Sports

She had thought that she was doing something smart.

The New Yorker

The task allowed me to camouflage myself; as long as I looked as though I were doing something smart, my shame and failure were hidden.

The New Yorker

And if I am, why on earth aren't I a big-shot executive doing something smart rather than sitting cross-legged on my bedroom floor, merely writing about being smart?

The Guardian - Opinion

I know it's probably a pipedream, but maybe, just maybe Congress could even be pushed into doing something smart this time.

Forbes

Compare these to browsing an unsorted list of available positions or racking your brain for whom to refer, and you can see why Work4 Labs is doing something smart.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Do something smart with it.

The Washington Post

Then, for once, I did something smart.

Harvard Business Review

The trustees of the Whitney Museum of American Art recently did something smart.

The New York Times - Arts

"Nobody should ever question why you didn't do something," Smart told me.

The New Yorker

As Wales' biggest charity retailer, Tenovus wanted to do something smart and innovative.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doing something smart", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific action is considered smart and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "doing something smart" without specifying the context. Readers might not understand what you are referring to and the statement becomes meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing something smart" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing an action as intelligent or wise. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to refer to an action deemed intelligent or wise. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing something smart" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions exhibiting intelligence or wisdom. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Business. When employing this phrase, it's best to ensure the context clarifies precisely what makes the action "smart" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "making a wise decision" or "taking a clever approach" can offer nuanced perspectives depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making a wise decision

Focuses on the decision-making aspect rather than the action itself.

acting intelligently

Emphasizes the quality of intelligence behind the action.

taking a clever approach

Highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the action.

exercising good judgment

Focuses on the soundness and appropriateness of the decision.

demonstrating foresight

Highlights the ability to anticipate future consequences.

adopting a strategic method

Suggests a planned and deliberate course of action.

pursuing a sensible course

Emphasizes the practicality and rationality of the action.

choosing a prudent path

Implies caution and careful consideration.

applying sound reasoning

Focuses on the logical basis of the action.

navigating wisely

Implies skillful maneuvering through a complex situation.

FAQs

How can I use "doing something smart" in a sentence?

You can use "doing something smart" to describe an action that is considered intelligent or wise. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is "doing something smart" for the environment."

What are some alternatives to "doing something smart"?

Alternatives include "making a wise decision", "acting intelligently", or "taking a clever approach", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "doing something smart" and "being smart"?

"Doing something smart" refers to a specific action, while "being smart" describes a general characteristic or trait. It's about action versus inherent quality.

In what context is it appropriate to say "doing something smart"?

It is appropriate in any context where you want to highlight the intelligence or wisdom behind a particular action. This applies across business, personal, or even abstract situations.