not so smart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not so smart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not particularly intelligent or clever, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "He tried to solve the puzzle, but his approach was not so smart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Now they're not so smart".

The Guardian - Sport

Seems smart phones are not so smart sometimes!

Independent

I think they're going to look not so smart.

The New York Times - Sports

"Not so smart," as the Dutchman put it.

The Guardian - Sport

Seems smart phones are not so smart sometimes!" the BNP wrote.

Independent

Jimi Hendrix was good, but not so smart because he took drugs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's also an opportunity to make a tremendous number of smart--or not so smart--money decisions.

Huffington Post

Maybe Kendall wasn't so smart.

The New Yorker

Maybe I wasn't so smart, after all".

The New Yorker

"Um, this isn't so smart," the operative said.

The New York Times

FROM time to time, very smart people do things that aren't so smart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so smart" to politely suggest a lack of intelligence or poor judgment without being overly critical. It's often suitable in informal settings or when addressing minor errors in reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "not so smart" in formal or professional writing, as it can come across as dismissive or unprofessional. Opt for more neutral or constructive language when providing feedback or assessing performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so smart" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically used to describe something or someone lacking intelligence or sound judgment. Ludwig's examples show its use in expressing mild disapproval or highlighting a mistake.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

10%

The New Yorker

8%

Harvard Business Review

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not so smart" is a versatile adjectival phrase used for mild critique or expressing a lack of intelligence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and very common, with usage spanning from News & Media to more informal contexts. While generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid using it in overly formal settings where a more professional tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "unwise" or "imprudent" in those cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not very bright

Emphasizes a lack of intelligence or understanding.

not particularly clever

Highlights a deficiency in ingenuity or inventiveness.

somewhat unintelligent

Formally indicates a degree of lacking in intelligence.

less than brilliant

Emphasizes a contrast against high intelligence.

not the sharpest tool in the shed

Idiomatically suggests a lack of intelligence.

not all that astute

Focuses on a lack of perception or discernment.

a bit slow on the uptake

Suggests a delay in understanding or comprehension.

lacking in wisdom

Highlights a deficiency in sound judgment or experience.

naïve and inexperienced

Highlights a deficiency in experience and worldliness.

foolish and unwise

Emphasizes poor judgment and lack of prudence.

FAQs

How can I use "not so smart" in a sentence?

You can use "not so smart" to describe actions or decisions that lack intelligence or good judgment. For example, "Choosing to ignore the warning signs was "not so smart"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not so smart"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "not very bright", "unwise", or "imprudent".

When is it appropriate to use "not so smart"?

It is appropriate in informal conversation or writing when you want to gently suggest that someone's action or idea wasn't the best. Avoid using it in formal settings where more professional language is expected.

What's the difference between "not so smart" and "stupid"?

"Not so smart" is a milder, more polite way of suggesting a lack of intelligence or poor judgment. "Stupid" is a harsher, more direct term that can be offensive. Use "not so smart" when you want to be less critical and more diplomatic.