more intelligent than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more intelligent than" is correct and it can be used in written English.
For example, you could say "She was far more intelligent than anyone in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was more intelligent than the police".

The Guardian - Books

8.59am: Are rats more intelligent than humans?

The Guardian - Sport

It is much more intelligent than us.

The Guardian

They could even be more intelligent than us".

Independent

Sleep is much more intelligent than we have previously considered.

University of California, Berkeley

Most donors are more sensitive and more intelligent than this.

The Guardian - Arts

People much more intelligent than I have debated this question.

The Guardian - Music

"Someone will always come along who's more intelligent than you.

The New York Times - Tech

He's a lot cleverer and more intelligent than me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not a polemic; it's more intelligent than that.

The Guardian

These kids are so much more intelligent than they are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing intelligence, be specific about the context or type of intelligence you're referring to (e.g., emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills).

Common error

Avoid broad statements about one group being "more intelligent than" another without clear criteria or evidence, as this can lead to harmful stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more intelligent than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a higher degree of intelligence relative to another entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage of this phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more intelligent than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase to indicate a higher level of cognitive ability relative to another subject. As verified by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and versatile, spanning across various contexts from news and media to academic discussions. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide context and avoid generalizations. Alternatives such as "smarter than" or "more astute than" can be used to adjust the tone or emphasize specific aspects of intelligence. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smarter than

Direct synonym, replacing "intelligent" with "smart" for a more informal tone.

more clever than

Implies ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

brighter than

A more casual way of saying someone has greater intellectual capacity.

more astute than

Suggests sharpness and perceptiveness beyond simple intelligence.

superior intellect to

Formal and direct comparison of intellectual ability.

more insightful than

Emphasizes a deeper understanding and perspective.

possessing greater intellect than

A more formal and elaborate way to express superior intelligence.

having a higher IQ than

Specifically refers to a standardized measure of intelligence.

more knowledgeable than

Highlights the amount of information someone possesses.

wiser than

Suggests intelligence combined with experience and good judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "more intelligent than" in a sentence?

You can use "more intelligent than" to compare the cognitive abilities of two or more subjects. For example, "She is "much more intelligent than" her brother in mathematics".

What is a less formal alternative to "more intelligent than"?

A less formal alternative is "smarter than". For example, "He's "smarter than" he looks".

Is it correct to say "more intelligent than me" or "more intelligent than I"?

Both are acceptable in modern usage, but "more intelligent than I" is considered more grammatically formal. In casual conversation, "more intelligent than me" is very common.

Which is correct, "more intelligent than average" or "more intelligent than the average"?

"More intelligent than the average" is generally preferred, as it refers to a specific average within a defined group. However, "more intelligent than average" is also acceptable and implies a general comparison to what is considered typical.