he is brainy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is brainy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is intelligent or has a high level of intellectual ability. Example: "In our study group, he is brainy and often helps us understand complex concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Firstly, he is brainy.

The Guardian - Books

He is brainy and articulate in five languages.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Byrne is as quirky as he is brainy, and prone to the occasional batty outburst.

The Economist

Mr Myhrvold, a physicist by training, takes part with gusto.Because he is brainy and well connected (investors in his firm include Microsoft, Intel, Apple, Google, Sony and Nokia), other brainy people are happy to attend his pow-wows.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He's brainy but not a nerd.

The New York Times

Despite his impoverished background, he's got it all: he's brainy, he's a great writer (albeit one who can't speak in sentences and paragraphs), he's a knockout on the basketball court, the chicks are all over him and, in the end, he gets every reward, wins every prize and saves the errant Forrester from himself.

The Guardian - Film

He's brainy, he writes books, he's pouring billions into education, his team bulges with professors and Nobelists (and the odd ex-president of Harvard), he follows March Madness, and his idea of a lucrative side job is teaching at a university — none of which explains why the first of his graduation-day bookings was met with a dis and the second with a Donnybrook.

The New Yorker

Just like Bill Gates he was brainy but in a brilliantly inspiring way.

Huffington Post

He thinks that because he doesn't get lost going to the bathroom, and looks a bit like a tall, thin Kevin Spacey, that he's brainy.

Huffington Post

Last week Ron Reagan and Wayne Barrett took their cracks at this premise: since Obama is the first Democrat since Roosevelt to win majorities twice for president -- and given that he's brainy, personable, communicates well and is scandal-free -- is he poised for greatness?

Huffington Post

He clearly is brainy, and a good fix-it man.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is brainy" when you want to informally emphasize someone's intelligence, particularly in contexts where a more formal term like "intelligent" might sound too stiff.

Common error

Avoid using "he is brainy" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more appropriate synonyms like "intelligent", "knowledgeable", or "astute" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is brainy" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of intelligence to a male subject. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is brainy" is a grammatically sound and informally descriptive way to indicate someone's intelligence. While correct, its usage is more suited to casual contexts rather than formal or professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. For formal writing, consider stronger alternatives such as "he is intelligent" or "he is astute". Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase offers a less stiff, more relatable way to highlight someone's mental prowess.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is intelligent

More formal and direct synonym for indicating intellectual capacity.

he is smart

Common and versatile synonym, suitable for various contexts.

he is clever

Suggests quick-wittedness and ingenuity.

he is brilliant

Implies exceptional intelligence and talent.

he is astute

Indicates sharpness of mind and keen discernment.

he is knowledgeable

Focuses on the breadth of his acquired information.

he is sharp-witted

Highlights quick thinking and insightful responses.

he is gifted

Emphasizes a natural talent or innate ability.

he is academic

Related with a focus on scholarly activities and knowledge.

he is insightful

Related with the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "he is brainy"?

Saying "he is brainy" means that someone is intelligent or very clever. It's an informal way to describe someone's mental capacity.

Are there situations where "he is brainy" is not appropriate?

Yes, in formal or professional contexts, using a term like "he is intelligent" or "he is knowledgeable" is more suitable.

Which is a better choice, "he is brainy" or "he is smart"?

Both phrases are valid. "He is smart" is generally more versatile, while "he is brainy" carries a more informal and slightly playful connotation.

What can I say instead of "he is brainy" to sound more professional?

Consider using alternatives such as "he is intelligent", "he is astute", or "he is clever" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.