smart and capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smart and capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is both intelligent and competent in their abilities or skills. Example: "She is not only smart and capable, but also a great team player who contributes significantly to our projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Linda is smart and capable.

The New York Times

Children growing up today need new fairytales where girls are active, dynamic, smart and capable.

The Guardian

She's as smart and capable as a man but where her colleagues may be bombastic she's intuitive.

The New York Times

While she is smart and capable, she is very religious, subscribing to the "young earth" theory that the world is only 6,000 years old.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our world is full of smart and capable LGBT people who are just a step away from living a successful and fulfilling life.

The Guardian

Star Wars is looking for "a street-smart and strong girl in her late teens' and 'a smart and capable man in his late teens or early 20s".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Girls and women of Turkey should also know that everyone including the COO of Facebook has insecurities and self-doubts and not-smart-and-capable-enough moments.

Huffington Post

In other words, even "dumb phones" are getting smarter, and capable of consuming more mobile data.

TechCrunch

Both candidates are smart, experienced and capable.

The New York Times

Julia was not only smart, caring and capable but wickedly funny, creative and always beautifully dressed.

The New York Times

Hamilton and Jefferson, the supposed models for his subjects, were both smart, argumentative and capable politicians.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone, follow "smart and capable" with specific examples of their skills or accomplishments to provide a clearer picture of their abilities.

Common error

While "smart and capable" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Instead, opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary that better reflects the specific skills and attributes you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smart and capable" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something possessing both intelligence and competence. Ludwig's examples show it commonly used to characterize people in various professional and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smart and capable" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that effectively conveys both intelligence and competence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, mainly in News & Media, with a neutral register. Alternatives such as "intelligent and competent" or "bright and skilled" can be used for subtle shifts in emphasis. When using "smart and capable", providing specific examples of skills and accomplishments will enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligent and competent

Focuses on both mental acuity and the ability to perform tasks effectively.

bright and skilled

Highlights quick understanding and proficiency in specific areas.

clever and effective

Emphasizes ingenuity and successful outcomes.

astute and accomplished

Implies keen discernment and a track record of achievements.

resourceful and qualified

Stresses the ability to find solutions and meet necessary criteria.

knowledgeable and skilled

Highlights possessing information and being skillful.

adept and talented

Indicates natural ability and proficiency.

sharp and efficient

Emphasizes quick thinking and streamlined performance.

brainy and proficient

Highlights intelligence and expertise.

ingenious and able

Indicates cleverness and capability.

FAQs

How can I use "smart and capable" in a sentence?

You can use "smart and capable" to describe someone's abilities. For example, "She is a "smart and capable" leader who always finds effective solutions."

What's a good alternative to "smart and capable"?

Alternatives include "intelligent and competent", "bright and skilled", or "clever and effective", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say someone is both "smart and capable"?

While "smart" and "capable" can overlap, they emphasize different aspects. "Smart" highlights intelligence, while "capable" emphasizes the ability to perform tasks effectively. Using both can provide a more comprehensive description.

How does "smart and capable" compare to "intelligent and effective"?

"Smart and capable" is generally more informal. "Intelligent and effective" might be preferred in professional contexts where a slightly more formal tone is appropriate. The core meaning is very similar.