he is stupid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is stupid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a negative opinion about someone's intelligence or decision-making abilities. Example: "After seeing his latest mistake, I can't help but think he is stupid for not considering the consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He is stupid but wily.

The New York Times - Arts

Even Clinton's critics who feel that he squandered his promise never speculate, as Bush's critics often do, that he is stupid.

The New Yorker

He is stupid and horrible (or "neither sensible nor agreeable," as Charlotte thinks), but, like Charlotte, he occupies the very lowest rung on the ladder of social respectability.

The New Yorker

Those who oppose him, in highlighting his really dangerous volatility, might ask when his supporters will see that he is stupid and unfit — and that they, in contrast, are clever and competent — and just stop this crazy Presidency?

The New Yorker

There is nothing more difficult than teaching a humiliated and enraged student who is convinced by his failure to be promoted that he is stupid and inferior, especially if you surround him with younger kids who can still outstrip him in class.

The New York Times

"If we're going to get $50 million to build a new crime lab," she repeats herself, slowly, as if he is stupid, "we have to get attention, show the public, the legislators, we're completely justified in upgrading technology, hiring more scientists, buying more lab equipment, building the biggest DNA database in the country, maybe even in the world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Is he being stupid or is he dangerous?

WikiHow

"He's stupid.

The New Yorker

He was stupid.

The Guardian

Two, he's stupid.

The Guardian

She thought, He's stupid.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "he is stupid" carefully, considering its potential to offend. Opt for more nuanced language to describe someone's actions or decisions rather than directly labeling their intelligence.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "he is stupid" repeatedly to describe someone. Vary your language to provide a more comprehensive and less judgmental assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is stupid" functions primarily as a declarative statement expressing a negative judgment about someone's intelligence. Ludwig's examples show the phrase is used to directly criticize or assess an individual's cognitive abilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is stupid" is a grammatically correct but potentially offensive way to express a negative judgment about someone's intelligence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's usable but advises caution due to its harshness. While the phrase appears in News & Media sources, it's generally considered informal and inappropriate for professional or academic settings. Alternatives such as "he lacks intelligence" or "he made a poor decision" are often more suitable for conveying similar sentiments without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he's unintelligent

Replaces "stupid" with a more clinical and formal term.

he lacks intelligence

Replaces "stupid" with a more formal term for a lack of cognitive ability.

he's dim-witted

Similar to slow-witted, but slightly more informal.

he is slow-witted

Implies a lack of mental quickness and understanding.

he is simple-minded

Indicates a lack of complexity or sophistication in thought.

he is not bright

Uses a euphemism to imply a lack of intelligence.

he is dense

Uses a more informal term to imply a lack of understanding.

he's a fool

Uses a more direct and potentially offensive term.

he's clueless

Suggests a lack of awareness or understanding of a situation.

he's not the sharpest tool in the shed

An idiomatic expression indicating a lack of intelligence.

FAQs

What are some less offensive alternatives to "he is stupid"?

Consider using phrases like "he lacks understanding", "he is unwise", or "he made a poor decision" to convey a similar sentiment without being as harsh.

How can I use "he is stupid" in a sentence without being overly offensive?

It's best to avoid using "he is stupid" directly. Instead, focus on the specific actions or decisions that lead you to that conclusion and describe those instead. For example, "His decision to invest all his savings in that venture was ill-advised" is more constructive.

What is the difference between saying "he is stupid" and "he is ignorant"?

"He is stupid" implies a general lack of intelligence, while "he is ignorant" suggests a lack of knowledge or awareness about a particular subject. Ignorance can be remedied through education, while stupidity is often perceived as an inherent trait.

Is it ever appropriate to say "he is stupid" in a professional setting?

Generally, no. Using the phrase "he is stupid" in a professional environment is highly inappropriate and can be considered unprofessional and disrespectful. Focus on providing constructive criticism about specific behaviors or outcomes instead.