is not stupid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not stupid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone or something lacks foolishness or ignorance, often in a context where a comparison or judgment is being made. Example: "While some may doubt his abilities, I believe he is not stupid and can handle the task at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ahmadinejad is not stupid.

The New Yorker

Rudd is not stupid.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clarkson is not stupid.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is not stupid.

The New York Times - Books

It is not stupid.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Peter is not stupid.

The Guardian - Sport

Huhne is not stupid.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The retailer is not stupid.

The New York Times

The public is not stupid.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Miliband isn't stupid.

The Guardian - Opinion

Southern isn't stupid.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not stupid" when you want to directly counter the assumption that someone or something lacks intelligence. It's effective in clarifying or defending a subject's capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "is not stupid" excessively, as it can sound defensive or less confident than stating the positive attribute directly. Instead of saying "He is not stupid", consider saying "He is intelligent" or "He is capable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not stupid" functions primarily as a negative assertion, used to deny or refute an assumption or claim of stupidity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to clarify or defend someone or something's capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not stupid" functions as a grammatically sound and frequently used negative assertion, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves to directly refute assumptions of lacking intelligence, commonly appearing in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it is worth keeping in mind the context and situation when choosing to negate a negative attribute over affirming a positive one. More sophisticated alternatives include "is quite intelligent", "is rather clever" or "is not unintelligent". Use this phrase when you want to clarify a statement, to defend, or to correct a misjudgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not unintelligent

A more formal way of saying someone is not stupid, using a double negative.

is far from foolish

Emphasizes the absence of foolishness, suggesting good judgment.

is quite intelligent

Focuses on the positive attribute of intelligence, rather than negating stupidity.

is remarkably sharp

Emphasizes the quickness and clarity of someone's mind.

is rather clever

Highlights a quick-witted or resourceful nature.

is quite astute

Indicates sharpness and cleverness, especially in practical matters.

possesses keen intellect

Highlights a strong intellectual capacity.

demonstrates considerable insight

Focuses on the ability to understand complex situations.

is acutely aware

Stresses a high level of perception and understanding.

is not naive

Suggests experience and a lack of gullibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is not stupid" to sound more polite?

To sound more polite, consider using alternatives like "is quite intelligent", "is rather clever", or "is not unintelligent", which convey the same meaning with a softer tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is not stupid"?

Yes, "is not stupid" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for negation and is commonly used to express that someone or something possesses intelligence or understanding.

What's the difference between saying "is not stupid" and "is intelligent"?

Saying "is not stupid" is a negation of a negative quality, while "is intelligent" is a direct affirmation of a positive quality. While they can often be used interchangeably, "is not stupid" is often used to refute an implied or explicit accusation of stupidity, while "is intelligent" is a general statement of intellect.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not stupid"?

The phrase "is not stupid" is appropriate in contexts where there's a need to clarify or defend someone's intelligence or capability. It's commonly used in discussions, debates, or analyses where someone's competence is being questioned or underestimated.