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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
intelligent
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "intelligent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is capable of understanding, learning, and applying knowledge. Example: My daughter is an incredibly intelligent young woman who excels in all her classes.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
As an intelligent 39-year-old woman I know this is completely ridiculous.
News & Media
This is not to judge disadvantaged students by a different standard; but by the same standard, just through intelligent use of data to drive lower offers rather than merely "flagging" a candidate for closer assessment.
News & Media
For the first time, there is lively and intelligent debate around this issue, which is at the core of the Middle East's problems.
News & Media
Inglourious Basterds ultimately proved less than controversial because Tarantino was intelligent enough to eschew shots of Holocaust victims in favour of scenes featuring tough Jewish blokes making mincemeat of a cavalcade of cartoonish Nazi scumbags.
News & Media
With tuition fees of £9,000 and a possible total university debt of £60,000 for medical students, it's obvious to me that if you're an intelligent, prospective student and want to make money, medicine isn't the way forward.
News & Media
Like most rock kids of his generation, from an early age he had a working knowledge of electronic music through listening to industrial bands such as Nine Inch Nails, and an obsession with "IDM" ("intelligent dance music"), in particular "anything on Warp Records".
News & Media
He is a bright, intelligent, gifted player, and it is a pleasure to play with him.
News & Media
It is The Theory of Everything and The Imitation Game which are the two films expected to predominate at this year's Baftas, the weirdly fortuitous pairing of two distinguished, intelligent, slightly theatrical performances and two brilliant British scientists cursed with the traditional qualities glibly associated with genius: shyness, loneliness, and disability of various sorts.
News & Media
I would describe it as transformational because it provided an insight into the reality of what it means to be a young, ambitious, highly intelligent, sometimes single black woman in contemporary America.
News & Media
"Mark Durkan [the SDLP's leader] is an intelligent, self-assured leader who is visibly enjoying the campaign".
News & Media
Barely educated, though reputedly highly intelligent, Chapo rose to become a second-tier drug lord in the late 1980s, a time when Sinaloa-based Mexican traffickers were taking advantage of the new opportunities opened by the need of Colombian cartels to move their drugs through Mexico following US success at shutting down Caribbean routes.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "intelligent" to describe not only people but also systems, designs, or solutions that exhibit problem-solving capabilities or efficient functionality.
Common error
While "intelligent" is a versatile adjective, avoid overusing it in very casual conversation. Alternatives like "smart" or "clever" may sound more natural in informal settings.
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "intelligent" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a high level of cognitive ability, understanding, or skill. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies the capacity for learning and applying knowledge. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse subjects.
Frequent in
News & Media
58%
Formal & Business
18%
Science
12%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
4%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the word "intelligent" is a versatile adjective used to describe a high level of cognitive ability or advanced functionality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as formal and business settings. While synonymous with terms like "smart" or "clever", "intelligent" carries a more formal tone. When using "intelligent", remember to consider the context and choose synonyms accordingly to maintain a natural and engaging writing style. Its consistent usage in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and validity in the English language. The adjective "intelligent" is not only applicable to people, it can be used to describe systems, designs, or solutions that exhibit problem-solving capabilities or efficient functionality. Overusing "intelligent" in informal contexts can also be an error to watch out for.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Smart
More informal and general term for intelligence.
Clever
Suggests ingenuity and quick-thinking.
Bright
Implies quickness of understanding and aptitude.
Astute
Indicates shrewdness and perceptiveness.
Sharp
Highlights quickness and keenness of mind.
Brilliant
Suggests exceptional intelligence or talent.
Wise
Implies deep understanding and good judgment.
Sagacious
Highlights profound wisdom and insight.
Perceptive
Indicates keen observation and understanding.
Discerning
Suggests the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.
FAQs
How can I use "intelligent" in a sentence?
You can use "intelligent" to describe a person, design, or system that demonstrates a high level of cognitive ability or problem-solving skills. For instance, "She is an intelligent student" or "The building has an "intelligent system" for energy conservation".
What are some synonyms for "intelligent"?
Is it better to say "intelligent" or "smart"?
Both words convey a similar meaning, but "intelligent" is generally considered more formal and emphasizes cognitive ability, while "smart" is more informal and can also imply practicality and resourcefulness. Choose the word that best fits the context and tone of your writing.
Can "intelligent" be used to describe non-living things?
Yes, "intelligent" can be used to describe non-living things like systems, machines, or designs that exhibit advanced problem-solving capabilities or automated decision-making. For example, an "intelligent algorithm" or an "intelligent building".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested