intelligent enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"intelligent enough" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a subject or object as having just enough intelligence for something. Example: I'm not smart enough to build a computer, but my niece is intelligent enough to understand the technology.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Its artificial intelligence is clearly not intelligent enough.

The New Yorker

Pep Guardiola is certainly intelligent enough.

Independent

You are intelligent enough to behave accordingly.

The New York Times

He's intelligent enough to adapt to England".

The Guardian - Sport

Man, he explained, is intelligent enough to achieve biological immortality.

The New York Times - Magazine

Intelligent enough to fit in with the established striker force.

The New York Times - Sports

We are deemed intelligent enough to think independently.

The New Yorker

They aren't intelligent enough to analyse things that way".

The Guardian - Opinion

"But, at least, we were intelligent enough not to lose".

The Guardian - Sport

But she is intelligent enough to know this can be done moderately".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He is brave enough to tackle me and intelligent enough to influence me.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intelligent enough" when you want to express that someone or something possesses the minimum required level of intelligence for a particular task or understanding. For example, "The student was intelligent enough to solve the problem."

Common error

Avoid using "intelligent enough" when a stronger term like "brilliant" or "genius" is more appropriate. Overusing it can downplay genuine exceptional intelligence and sound condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intelligent enough" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a sufficient level of intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intelligent enough" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase for indicating a sufficient level of intelligence for a particular purpose. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile and adaptable to numerous contexts. The analysis of source data reveals that it is most commonly found in news and media, demonstrating its broad applicability. When writing, remember to use it when you want to convey adequacy of intelligence and consider related phrases like "smart enough" or "clever enough" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smart enough

Emphasizes general cognitive ability, often used interchangeably but slightly more informal.

clever enough

Highlights quick-wittedness and ingenuity, suggesting a practical intelligence.

bright enough

Implies a natural aptitude and quick understanding.

astute enough

Focuses on sharpness and perceptiveness, particularly in practical matters.

wise enough

Suggests a combination of intelligence and experience, implying good judgment.

capable enough

Highlights the ability to handle a task or situation, focusing on competence.

competent enough

Stresses adequate skill and knowledge for a specific purpose.

able to understand

Emphasizes comprehension and cognitive processing.

has the intelligence to

A more formal way of expressing the capacity for intelligent action.

knows well enough

Highlights the possession of sufficient knowledge or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "intelligent enough" in a sentence?

You can use "intelligent enough" to indicate that someone or something possesses sufficient intelligence for a specific purpose. For instance, "He is "intelligent enough" to understand the instructions" means he has the necessary mental capacity to comprehend them.

What are some alternatives to "intelligent enough"?

Alternatives include "smart enough", "clever enough", or "bright enough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of cognitive ability.

Is it better to say "intelligent enough" or "smart enough"?

Both "intelligent enough" and "smart enough" are acceptable, but "intelligent enough" sounds slightly more formal. "Smart enough" is generally considered more colloquial and widely used in everyday conversation.

What does it mean when someone says "they are intelligent enough"?

It means the person believes that the subject has the minimum required level of intelligence or understanding for a specific task, situation, or concept. The implication is that they should be able to handle or comprehend whatever is being discussed.