need to be smart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be smart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of being intelligent or wise in order to successfully achieve a goal or accomplish a task. For example: "If you want to get ahead in your career, you need to be smart about the decisions you make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we need to be smart.

The Washington Post

A restaurant this sexy doesn't need to be smart.

The New York Times - Food

Obviously, the timings need to be smart with that.

The Guardian - Sport

Age-friendly cities need to be smart cities.

The Guardian

"To get leverage you need to be smart," Mr. Berezovsky said in court, "and he wasn't".

The New York Times

Some would say that girls need to be smart or boys are smarter and stronger.

The Guardian

We need to be smart about this and punish the executives involved and preserve the businesses".

The Guardian

You need to be smart, but it's about dealing with failure.

The Guardian

With 435 labeling programs globally, companies need to be smart when picking one for their products.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We need to be smart, not just rush to sound tough.

The Washington Post

If we're going to require body cameras, we need to be smart about when they're used.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "need to be smart", clearly define what being "smart" entails in the specific context. For example, specify whether it means being strategic, resourceful, or simply well-informed.

Common error

Avoid using "need to be smart" without providing context. Saying someone "needs to be smart" without specifying what that entails can be vague and unhelpful. Instead, specify the skills or qualities needed, such as critical thinking or adaptability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be smart" functions as a directive, expressing a requirement for intelligence, wisdom, or strategic thinking. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and the examples showcase its versatility across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be smart" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the necessity of intelligence, strategic thinking, or wisdom. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread applicability. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Alternatives include phrases such as "need to be intelligent", "need to be wise" and "need to be strategic". When using "need to be smart", it's beneficial to provide specific context regarding what constitutes being "smart" in the given situation to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to be intelligent

Replaces "smart" with a synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

need to be wise

Substitutes "smart" with "wise", suggesting a deeper level of understanding and judgment.

need to be astute

Replaces "smart" with "astute", implying keen observation and discernment.

need to be clever

Substitutes "smart" with "clever", emphasizing ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

have to be sharp

Uses "sharp" as a synonym for "smart", implying quick thinking and awareness.

need to be prudent

Replaces "smart" with "prudent", focusing on careful and sensible decision-making.

need to be strategic

Substitutes "smart" with "strategic", highlighting the importance of planning and calculated action.

should be thoughtful

Suggests the need for careful consideration and reflection.

need to exercise caution

Shifts the focus to carefulness and risk avoidance, rather than intelligence itself.

must be resourceful

Focuses on the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "need to be smart" in a sentence?

You can use "need to be smart" to emphasize the importance of intelligence or wisdom in a particular situation. For example, "We "need to be smart" about how we invest our resources to maximize returns."

What are some alternatives to saying "need to be smart"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "need to be intelligent", "need to be wise", or "need to be strategic".

What does it mean to "be smart" in a particular situation?

Being "smart" often involves a combination of intelligence, experience, and strategic thinking. It means understanding the situation, considering all the options, and making a well-informed decision. The specifics depend on the context.

Is it better to say "need to be smart" or "need to be intelligent"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Need to be smart" is slightly more informal and common, while "need to be intelligent" sounds more formal and academic. The best choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.