Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
smart out
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "smart out" is not correct and does not appear to be a usable expression in written English.
It seems to be a misinterpretation or a combination of other phrases, but without context, it is unclear what it is intended to convey. Example: "I need to smart out a solution to this problem." (This is not a correct usage.)
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
He's smart out there.
News & Media
And she's smart out on the track.
News & Media
"We told each other near the end, 'Avoid cheap shots, be smart out there".' Nevertheless, Abby Wambach, the large and obstreperous forward, managed to hammer Bunmi Kayode to the ground in the closing seconds.
News & Media
Train hard... train smart out there everybody!
News & Media
He attends college in that bastion of forward-thinking, Arizona, which just re-elected John McCain, so we know they're all really, really smart out there.
News & Media
"You get real smart out there".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
47 human-written examples
It was an excellent catch after Siddle had edged a smart out-swinger from Jimmy Anderson.
News & Media
It's always been my suspicion that, if a group of smart, out-of-the-box thinkers were let loose on purely open-source material, the U.S. government might actually end up with a far more accurate view of our world and how it works, not to speak of what dangers lie in store for us.
News & Media
Put your smarts out there as well as your gorgeousness; denying your intelligence is a foolhardy way to aim to be appealing.
Wiki
In "One Man, Two Guvnors" Mr. Corden plays Francis Henshall, a goodhearted, chronically hungry, not-so-smart, out-of-work musician who finds simultaneous employment with two demanding bosses mixed up in a complicated world of small-potatoes gangsterism, cross-dressing, mistaken identity and thwarted romance.
News & Media
Soon after, Dean Widders' smart cut-out pass put Richie Owen over in the right corner.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
If you want to describe acting intelligently, use "think smartly" or "act intelligently".
Common error
Be cautious about using "smart out" as a standalone phrase. It might not be immediately clear to your audience. Replace it with alternatives depending on the context: figure out, work out or even "intelligent approach" or "wise choice".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "smart out" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase combined with an adverb, modifying a noun or verb. As Ludwig AI points out, it may often appear within larger, more idiomatic expressions, but it isn't always recognized as correct.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Wiki
30%
Science
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
5%
Social Media
10%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "smart out" is somewhat ambiguous and not always grammatically correct as noted by Ludwig AI. It appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media, but its usage can be inconsistent. While it aims to convey intelligence or strategic action, it's advisable to use clearer and more established phrases like "intelligent approach", "clever strategy", or "think smartly" for better communication. When referring to a quick and effective start, phrases like "smart out of the gates" are acceptable, but alternatives may provide clarity. Overall, careful consideration and context-specific alternatives can help avoid ambiguity and ensure effective writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
clever strategy
Highlights the tactical and planned nature of intelligence.
shrewd tactic
Implies practicality and resourcefulness in a particular situation.
astute move
Emphasizes sharpness and discernment in a specific action.
intelligent approach
Focuses on the method being clever rather than a general state.
wise decision
Focuses on the judgment and good sense behind a choice.
act intelligently
Replaces "smart" with an adverb, focusing on behaving with intelligence.
strategic thinking
Emphasizes long-term planning and insightful consideration.
think smartly
Replaces "smart" with an adverb, emphasizing the act of thinking intelligently.
resourceful solution
Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome challenges.
bright idea
Highlights a specific instance of cleverness or inspiration.
FAQs
How can I use "smart out" in a sentence?
While "smart out" may appear in some contexts, it is not a standard or widely recognized phrase in English. It's often part of a larger expression, like "smart out of the gates". Consider using clearer alternatives like "clever strategy" or "intelligent approach" for better clarity.
What's a more grammatically sound way to express the idea behind "smart out"?
Instead of "smart out", try using phrases like "think smartly" or "act intelligently". These provide a clearer and more grammatically correct way to convey the intended meaning.
Which phrase is more suitable, "smart out" or "figure out"?
"Figure out" is generally more suitable and widely understood. The phrase "smart out" is ambiguous and not commonly used. Depending on the context you can consider other option such as work out
What does it mean when someone says "smart out of the gates"?
It means to start something quickly and effectively. It's often used in racing or in business to mean a fast and intelligent start. Other ways to say the same are "start intelligently" or "begin wisely".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested