intelligent young man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intelligent young man" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a young male who demonstrates intelligence or cleverness. For example, "The intelligent young man impressed everyone with his insightful comments during the discussion." Alternative expressions include "smart young man" and "bright young man."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Stewart is an extremely intelligent young man.

The Guardian

He is an intelligent young man.

The Guardian - Sport

"He was a smart, intelligent young man," the relative said.

The New York Times

I mean, because you're a very intelligent young man".

The New Yorker

I am supposed to be an average reasonable and intelligent young man.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Our determination is he's an intelligent young man who knows right from wrong," Groh said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But others were intelligent young men with prospects.

The New York Times

Three nicer, more thoughtful and more intelligent young men one could not hope to meet.

The Economist

These were intelligent young men who were at heart peaceful people".

The New York Times

So why are they remembered so acutely, these intelligent young men and women who turned to terrorism?

The Guardian

Albert volunteered for the Army and was assigned to a unit of exceptionally intelligent young men who were to be trained as engineers.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific achievements to avoid it sounding like a hollow cliché. For example, 'He is an "intelligent young man" who demonstrated his skills by...'

Common error

Do not stack synonyms that mean the same thing, such as 'smart intelligent young man'. The word 'intelligent' already carries sufficient weight. Additionally, ensure the age context is appropriate; using 'young man' for someone in their late thirties might come across as patronizing depending on the speaker's age.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intelligent young man" functions as a noun phrase consisting of a head noun ('man') modified by two adjectives ('intelligent' and 'young'). In sentence structures, it often serves as a predicative nominative (e.g., 'He is an...') or an appositive. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a standard, correct English construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "intelligent young man" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase for describing a male subject with mental acuity and promising character. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is a staple of high-end journalism and academic writing, appearing consistently in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It strikes a balance between being descriptive and maintaining a professional tone. While synonyms like "bright young man" or "smart young man" offer slight variations in nuance, the original phrase remains the benchmark for formal positive attribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bright young man

Suggests a combination of intelligence and promising potential, often used for students or those starting careers.

smart young man

Slightly more informal and versatile, covering both academic intelligence and practical sense.

brilliant young man

Elevates the level of intelligence to an exceptional or outstanding degree.

clever young man

Often implies quick-wittedness or a knack for problem-solving.

gifted young man

Suggests that the intelligence is an innate talent or natural ability.

astute young man

Focuses on the ability to accurately assess situations or people; shrewdness.

promising young man

Focuses more on the future success expected due to his current intelligence.

sharp young man

A punchy, idiomatic way to describe someone who is mentally alert and quick.

capable young man

Shifts the focus from pure intellect to the ability to perform tasks effectively.

intellectual young man

Suggests a person interested in academic study or deep philosophical thought.

FAQs

What is the difference between an "intelligent young man" and a "smart young man"?

While both are positive, "intelligent young man" tends to feel more formal and academic. A "smart young man" often suggests 'street smarts' or practical wit in addition to mental capacity.

Can I use "bright young man" as a synonym?

Yes, "bright young man" is an excellent synonym that implies both intelligence and a promising future.

How do I pluralize "intelligent young man"?

The plural form is "intelligent young men". This version is also very common in high-quality journalism when referring to groups.

Is "intelligent young man" a formal phrase?

Yes, it is considered formal to neutral. It is frequently found in publications like "The New York Times" and "The Guardian", making it suitable for professional writing.