smart

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "smart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe someone as intelligent or quick-thinking, as well as to describe something as attractive, cleverly designed, or well-presented. For example: "The smart design of the new appliance was a hit with consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Based on his personal knowledge of Ryan, Klein shares some tips for Vice President Joe Biden in the run-up to tonight's debate: First, he's smart.

The Guardian

Mohamedou Ould Slahi: "smart, witty, garrulous, and curiously undamaged" Another team inside the plane dragged me and fastened me on a small and straight seat.

The Guardian

But it's sometimes the smart thing to do as well as the right one.

The Guardian

That is not just because of the star quality of its past inmates but also because it is situated right in the heart of Paris in the otherwise smart and arty district of Montparnasse.

The Guardian

Brett Pitman could not take advantage after Teddy Bishop had inadvertently put the ball in his path and that was followed by two smart saves from Bartosz Bialkowski, firstly from Ryan Fraser and then swooping to his right to deny Ritchie's 30-yarder.

The Guardian - Sport

But perhaps more noxiously, a culture was generated in which investment banking seemed smart, charismatic and the source of fortunes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We put our phones and iPads upstairs and then I went round and turned absolutely everything off at the socket, apart from the fridge-freezer and the smart energy monitor.

The Guardian

Luxury breaks offering great food and smart hotels are being created by firms such as Fusion Escapes, a three-year-old specialist operator which founder, Rachel Harvey, says was launched "to fill the gaping hole in the travel market for single professionals used to the finer things in life".

The Guardian - Travel

The ball comes in from the right, Jermain Defoe leaps highest and brings a smart save out of Maribor goalkeeper Jasmin Hadanovic.

The Guardian - Sport

This was the approach taken by Foroughi, who sent individual emails to Boticca's top 200 customers, asking them just one question: "Why do you keep returning to the site?" This proved to be a smart move.

The Guardian

We weren't asked specifically to look at the differences, but we did it because we could via the smart energy monitor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technology, use "smart" to indicate devices or systems with advanced computing capabilities, like "smart homes" or "smart cars".

Common error

Avoid using "smart" excessively in informal conversation. While it's a versatile word, overuse can make your speech sound repetitive or less nuanced. Opt for more specific adjectives like "clever", "intelligent", or "astute" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "smart" primarily functions to describe a noun by attributing qualities such as intelligence, cleverness, or sophistication. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "smart" modifies various nouns, indicating a descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "smart" is a versatile adjective commonly used to describe intelligence, cleverness, or sophistication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily to describe a noun, and its communicative purpose often conveys admiration or approval. Usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "smart" is generally considered grammatically correct, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. For alternative expressions, consider "intelligent", "clever", or "astute" to enhance nuance and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligent

Focuses specifically on intellectual capacity.

clever

Emphasizes ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

bright

Suggests quick understanding and intelligence.

astute

Highlights shrewdness and discernment.

sharp

Implies keenness and quickness of mind.

shrewd

Focuses on practical intelligence and resourcefulness.

ingenious

Emphasizes inventiveness and creativity.

knowledgeable

Highlights the possession of information and understanding.

savvy

Suggests a practical understanding of the world.

sophisticated

Implies refinement and worldliness, often in terms of style or taste.

FAQs

How can I use "smart" in a sentence?

You can use "smart" to describe someone intelligent (e.g., "She is a "smart" student"), or something cleverly designed (e.g., "This is a "smart" solution").

What's a good alternative to "smart" when describing a person?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "intelligent", "clever", or "astute" to describe a person's mental capabilities.

Is it correct to use "smart" to describe an object or system?

Yes, it's common to use "smart" to describe objects or systems that have advanced technology or are cleverly designed, such as "smart phone" or "smart home".

What is the difference between calling someone "smart" and calling them "wise"?

"Smart" often refers to quick intelligence or knowledge, while "wise" suggests experience and good judgment. Someone can be ""smart"" without being "wise", and vice versa.