great intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

"great intellect" is a correct and normal part of written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a formidable intelligence or mental acuity. For example, "He demonstrated his great intellect by solving an incredibly difficult problem in under five minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He's a great intellect.

The Washington Post

He's a great intellect," Mr. Tyler said.

The New York Times

A quiet man of great intellect.

The New York Times

We're not talking great intellect here, or success.

The Guardian - Opinion

A man of great intellect, impeccable taste and incredible wit.

The New York Times

He is a writer of great intellect, undoubtedly.

The Guardian

Phyllis was a woman of great intellect, warmth, humor, wit, insight, and commitment.

The New York Times

"Joel has a great intellect and did not suffer fools," Ms. Weingarten said.

The New York Times

Andrew Laming Georgee is a great intellect, great to have him in this building.

The Guardian

"You can feel her emotions on her skin — she's a great beauty and a great intellect".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A woman of great intellect and wit and a cherished friend to many.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great intellect" to describe individuals whose intellectual achievements or capabilities significantly exceed expectations. It's most effective when supported by examples or context that demonstrate this high level of intelligence.

Common error

Avoid using "great intellect" in everyday conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "smart" or "intelligent" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the individual's intellectual capacity is truly exceptional and noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great intellect" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe a person or entity possessing exceptional intelligence. Ludwig AI examples shows it's often paired with verbs like "has", "is", or "demonstrates" to attribute this quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great intellect" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone possessing exceptional cognitive abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating that it effectively conveys the notion of superior intelligence across diverse contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic sources, reflecting its utility in both reporting on and analyzing intellectual achievements. While alternatives like "exceptional intelligence" or "remarkable mind" exist, "great intellect" remains a direct and widely understood descriptor for remarkable cognitive prowess. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for individuals whose intellectual capabilities are truly noteworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brilliant mind

Synonymous but emphasizes the shining quality of intellect.

exceptional intelligence

Emphasizes the level of intelligence as being far above average.

remarkable mind

Highlights the extraordinary nature of someone's cognitive abilities.

formidable intellect

Highlights the power and impact of someone's intelligence.

profound understanding

Focuses on the depth and completeness of someone's knowledge.

intellectual prowess

Emphasizes skill and mastery in intellectual pursuits.

sharp mind

Indicates quickness and clarity of thought.

astute intelligence

Stresses the ability to accurately assess situations and people.

high level of intelligence

A more formal and direct way of expressing superior mental capacity.

superior cognitive abilities

A scientific term to describe heightened intellectual capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "great intellect" in a sentence?

You can use "great intellect" to describe someone with remarkable cognitive abilities. For example, "Her "great intellect" allowed her to solve complex problems with ease."

What are some alternatives to "great intellect"?

Alternatives include "exceptional intelligence", "remarkable mind", or "profound understanding", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as having a "great intellect"?

Yes, it's appropriate when referring to someone whose cognitive abilities are notably superior. However, it's important to use it judiciously and only when it accurately reflects the individual's intellectual capabilities.

What distinguishes a "great intellect" from simply being "intelligent"?

While both terms describe cognitive ability, "great intellect" implies a more exceptional or profound level of intelligence. It suggests an individual possesses not only knowledge but also the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and generate original ideas.