he is smart

USAGE SUMMARY

"He is smart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that someone is clever or intelligent. For example: "My friend David is really smart; he aced every test in his college course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is smart, too.

The New York Times - Sports

He is smart.

The New York Times - Sports

"He is smart, funny, curious, caring".

The New York Times

He is smart, he is substantive.

The New Yorker

He is smart and engaging.

The New York Times

"He is smart," Dundee said.

The New Yorker

"He is big, he is smart.

The New York Times

"He is smart, and very, very focused.

The New York Times - Sports

"He is smart, smooth and extremely calm.

The Guardian

"But he is smart enough not to escalate the tensions".

The New York Times

"He is smart as he can be," Hoge said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is smart" when you want to simply and directly state someone's intelligence or capability. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversation to more formal writing.

Common error

While "he is smart" is perfectly acceptable, avoid relying on it too frequently in your writing. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "intelligent", "astute", or more specific terms that describe the type of intelligence you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is smart" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of intelligence to a male subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, reflecting its basic function in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is smart" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's intelligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective in its simplicity, writers should consider using synonyms like "intelligent" or "astute" to add nuance and variety to their descriptions. The phrase is versatile, serving to convey praise, explanations, or character context, and maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Remember, while "he is smart" is a great start, tailoring your language to fit the context and audience is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is intelligent

Emphasizes a general capacity for understanding and learning, similar to being smart.

he is clever

Suggests quick-wittedness and ingenuity.

he is bright

Implies a natural aptitude and quickness of mind.

he is astute

Highlights keen observation and shrewdness, adding a layer of practical intelligence.

he is sharp

Indicates an ability to think and react quickly and effectively.

he is quick-witted

Emphasizes his ability to think and respond rapidly and cleverly.

he is knowledgeable

Highlights the extent of his learning and information.

he is perceptive

Focuses on his ability to understand subtle nuances and insights.

he is gifted

Suggests a natural talent or innate ability.

he is resourceful

Highlights his ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "he is smart"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "he is intelligent", "he is astute", or "he possesses considerable intellect". These alternatives /s/he+is+intelligent, /s/he+is+astute, /s/he+possesses+considerable+intellect lend a more sophisticated tone.

What are some alternative adjectives to describe someone who "he is smart"?

Instead of just saying someone is smart, you could describe them as "clever", "bright", "knowledgeable", or "perceptive" to offer a more nuanced portrayal of their abilities.

How can I use "he is smart" in a sentence?

You can use "he is smart" in a variety of sentences to convey someone's intelligence. For example, "He is smart, so he quickly understood the complex problem" or "Everyone knows he is smart, which is why he's trusted with important decisions".

Is it correct to say "he is smart", or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "he is smart" is grammatically correct and commonly used. There's no inherent reason to avoid it, but varying your language with alternatives like "he is intelligent" or "he is astute" can enhance your writing.