he is brilliant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is brilliant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who demonstrates exceptional intelligence or talent. Example: "In the world of mathematics, he is brilliant, often solving complex problems that others find impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He is brilliant".

The New York Times - Sports

He is brilliant at structure.

The New York Times

He is brilliant at that.

Independent

Some say he is brilliant.

The New York Times

Tom is as generous as he is brilliant.

Stanford University

He is brilliant in one-on-ones.

The Guardian - Sport

He is brilliant and sometimes it goes unnoticed".

The Guardian - Sport

As a performer on a public stage, he is brilliant.

The Guardian - Arts

He is brilliant at making the intellectual life sexy.

The New York Times - Books

He is brilliant, loving, dedicated and witty, and they're not.

The New Yorker

He is brilliant with the garish colours of urban worlds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "he is brilliant". In very formal settings, you may prefer a more nuanced or specific descriptor to avoid sounding hyperbolic.

Common error

Avoid using "he is brilliant" too frequently in casual conversations, as it can sound unnatural or insincere. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he's smart" or "he's good at it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is brilliant" functions as a subject complement, where "he" is the subject, "is" is the linking verb, and "brilliant" is the adjective describing the subject. Ludwig shows that this phrase is typically used to express admiration or acknowledge exceptional skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is brilliant" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey strong admiration for someone's intelligence or skill. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a phrase that is considered correct. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academia. While it is versatile, consider the context to avoid overuse, especially in informal conversations. Alternatives like "he is exceptionally talented" or "he is a genius" can provide nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is exceptionally talented

Focuses on talent as the source of his brilliance.

he is remarkably gifted

Emphasizes the innate nature of his brilliance.

he is extraordinarily skilled

Highlights expertise and proficiency.

he is a genius

Uses a strong term to describe his brilliance.

he is incredibly astute

Focuses on his sharp understanding and perception.

he is highly intelligent

States a general level of intellectual ability.

he is exceptionally clever

Highlights resourcefulness and quick-wittedness.

he is amazingly proficient

Highlights skills with high degree of competence.

he is notably ingenious

Highlights resourcefulness and inventiveness.

he is incredibly accomplished

Focuses on completed achievements as demonstration of skill.

FAQs

What does "he is brilliant" mean?

The phrase "he is brilliant" means that someone possesses exceptional intelligence, talent, or skill. It's used to express strong admiration and respect for a person's abilities.

What can I say instead of "he is brilliant"?

You can use alternatives like "he is exceptionally talented", "he is remarkably gifted", or "he is a genius" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he is brilliant" in formal writing?

Yes, "he is brilliant" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to strongly emphasize someone's intelligence or talent. However, consider the audience and context; sometimes a more specific or nuanced descriptor may be preferable.

How to use "he is brilliant" in a sentence?

You can use "he is brilliant" in sentences like, "In mathematics, he is brilliant, often solving complex problems" or "As a performer, he is brilliant, captivating audiences with his skill."