not very smart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very smart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks intelligence or is not particularly clever. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was not very smart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not very smart.

The New Yorker

That's not very smart".

The New York Times

He's not very smart.

The New Yorker

Not very smart, really.

The Guardian

"Not very smart," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

The Raiders' defense is not very smart.

The New York Times

COLLEAGUE: He's not very smart, is he?

The New Yorker

"I made some not very smart pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

Either way, it was not very smart or too classy.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's not very smart," Coughlin said of faking an injury.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're just not very smart and very good right now.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "unwise" or "lacking in judgment" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "not very smart" in academic papers or formal business reports. Opt for more nuanced and professional language to critique ideas or decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very smart" functions as an adjectival phrase used to modify a noun, indicating a deficiency in intelligence or wisdom. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to express a negative assessment of someone's intellect or a particular decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very smart" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express a lack of intelligence or poor judgment. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in news and media, and sports contexts and while widely understood, it may be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. Consider more formal alternatives like "unwise" or "lacking judgment" in such cases. While the phrase is deemed correct by Ludwig, context and audience should always be considered to avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not particularly intelligent

This alternative focuses on the level of intelligence, similar to the original phrase.

Somewhat unintelligent

This suggests a slight lack of intelligence, similar to "not very smart".

Not the brightest

A more informal way of saying someone lacks intelligence.

Less than brilliant

Emphasizes a deficiency in exceptional intelligence.

Intellectually limited

Highlights the restrictions or boundaries of someone's intellectual capacity.

Lacking in wisdom

This focuses on the lack of good judgment and experience.

A bit dense

An informal way to describe someone who has difficulty understanding things.

Not known for intellect

Focuses on the general perception of someone's intellectual ability.

Unwise decision

Highlights a specific lack of good judgment in a particular action.

Not the sharpest tool in the shed

A colloquial idiom for someone who is not very intelligent.

FAQs

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

You can use "not very smart" to describe a decision, action, or person. For example, "Investing all your savings in a single stock was "not very smart"."

What are some alternatives to "not very smart"?

Alternatives include "unwise", "lacking judgment", "unintelligent", or "foolish". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "not very smart" in professional settings?

While the phrase is grammatically correct, it may be perceived as informal or even rude in some professional contexts. Consider using more tactful language to convey your point.

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

"Not very smart" is a milder and more polite way to indicate a lack of intelligence or poor judgment. "Stupid" is a harsher and more direct term.