is a smart move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a smart move" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a particular action or decision is wise or advantageous in a given context. Example: "Investing in renewable energy is a smart move for the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

That is a smart move in any budget climate.

The New York Times

This is a smart move for everyone involved.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Talking about other things is a smart move.

The Guardian

Sometimes a dumb joke is a smart move.

The New Yorker

Getting the guilt off your chest is a smart move in a book like this.

The New York Times - Books

When Uncle Sam is willing to play Daddy Warbucks, being an orphan is a smart move.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's a smart move.

The New York Times

"I think it's a smart move.

The New York Times - Sports

That probably was a smart move.

The New York Times - Sports

That was a smart move.

The New York Times

But it's a smart move.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a smart move" when you want to positively evaluate a decision or action, suggesting it will likely lead to a favorable outcome. It's particularly effective when acknowledging potential risks but affirming the overall wisdom of the choice.

Common error

Avoid using "is a smart move" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your analysis sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is a wise decision" or "is a clever strategy" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a smart move" functions as a comment or evaluation of a particular action or decision. It serves to express approval, indicating that the action is considered intelligent, strategic, and likely to result in a positive outcome. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a smart move" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to indicate approval or endorsement of a decision or action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is generally considered correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, and its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. While alternatives exist to prevent overuse, "is a smart move" remains a straightforward and effective way to convey that a particular choice is well-reasoned and likely to produce positive results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a wise decision

Replaces "move" with "decision", emphasizing the thought process behind the action.

is a clever strategy

Substitutes "smart" with "clever" and "move" with "strategy", highlighting ingenuity and planning.

is a canny action

Uses "canny" to suggest shrewdness and practicality in the action.

is a judicious step

Employs "judicious" to convey careful judgment and "step" to indicate a specific action in a series.

is an astute maneuver

Replaces "smart" with "astute" and "move" with "maneuver", implying skillful and strategic handling.

is a sagacious approach

Uses "sagacious" to denote wisdom and "approach" to suggest a method of dealing with something.

is an intelligent course of action

Replaces "smart" with "intelligent" and uses the more formal "course of action".

is a prudent measure

Suggests the action is cautious and avoids risks.

is a well-thought-out plan

Emphasizes that the action is the result of careful consideration and planning.

is a strategic play

Suggests a deliberate and calculated action to achieve a specific goal, often used in business or games.

FAQs

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

Use "is a smart move" to positively evaluate a decision or action. For example, "Investing in employee training "is a smart move" for long-term growth."

What are some alternatives to "is a smart move"?

You can use phrases like "is a wise decision", "is a clever strategy", or "is a judicious step" to express a similar idea.

When is it appropriate to use "is a smart move"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that a specific action or decision is likely to lead to a positive outcome and demonstrates good judgment. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Is "is a smart move" formal or informal?

The phrase "is a smart move" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "is a judicious step" might be preferred in highly formal writing.