is smart enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is smart enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's intelligence or capability in a specific context, often implying that they meet a certain standard or requirement. Example: "She is smart enough to solve complex problems without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cruz is smart enough to know this.

The New Yorker

"But he is smart enough not to escalate the tensions".

The New York Times

AIPAC is smart enough to penetrate any sort of circumlocutions".

The New Yorker

The O.C.C. is smart enough, professional enough and sufficiently funded.

The New York Times

"Woody is smart enough," said a former associate.

The New York Times - Sports

I think she is smart enough to do good things.

The Guardian

Anderson is smart enough to hear how cocky this sounds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. La Barbera is smart enough not to take credit.

The New York Times

At least "Freaks" is smart enough to know it's shameless.

The New York Times

Saddam is smart enough to be impressed too.

MIT Technology Review

Pochettino is smart enough to learn from the experience.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is smart enough" to convey that someone possesses the minimum required intelligence or knowledge for a particular task or situation. It often implies a threshold has been met, not necessarily exceptional brilliance.

Common error

Avoid using "is smart enough" when you intend to express exceptional intelligence. The phrase suggests adequacy, not superiority. Opt for stronger terms like "brilliant", "genius", or "exceptionally intelligent" for higher levels of intellect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is smart enough" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It typically describes the subject of a sentence, indicating they possess the minimum level of intelligence needed for a specific purpose. Ludwig examples show it used to assess capability or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is smart enough" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that someone possesses the minimum level of intelligence required for a specific task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While alternatives like "is clever enough" or "is intelligent enough" exist, "is smart enough" often implies a threshold of adequacy rather than exceptional brilliance. It's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overstatements of capability. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources and its meaning is clearly understood, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is clever enough

Focuses on quick-wittedness and ingenuity rather than general intelligence.

is intelligent enough

Highlights a general capacity for learning and understanding.

is astute enough

Emphasizes keen perception and shrewdness in practical matters.

is bright enough

Implies quick understanding and intellectual sharpness.

is shrewd enough

Suggests a practical intelligence and ability to make good judgments.

is wise enough

Conveys experience and good judgment, often associated with age.

is crafty enough

Implies a cunning and skillful approach, sometimes with a hint of deception.

is capable enough

Focuses on having the necessary ability or skill to do something.

is competent enough

Suggests having the required skills and knowledge to perform a task adequately.

is qualified enough

Highlights meeting the necessary standards or requirements for a specific role.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is smart enough" indicates someone meets a minimum level of intelligence for a given task. For example, "He is smart enough to understand the instructions" shows he has the basic comprehension needed.

What are some alternatives to "is smart enough"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is clever enough", "is intelligent enough", or "is astute enough" to express similar meanings.

What does it imply when someone "is smart enough"?

Saying someone "is smart enough" implies they possess the necessary intelligence or knowledge to handle a situation or task adequately. It suggests a sufficient level of competence rather than exceptional brilliance.

Is "is smart enough" formal or informal?

The phrase "is smart enough" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and situation than the phrase itself.