smart person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smart person" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is an adjective phrase often used to describe someone who is intelligent or clever. Example: My boss is a very smart person, always coming up with innovative ideas to improve our company's performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You're a smart person.

The New York Times

"He's a very smart person.

The New York Times

I am not a smart person.

The New Yorker

But a very smart person.

The Washington Post

"She is a courageous, smart person — and Ward is also a courageous, smart person".

The New York Times

No thoughtful, smart person, in my opinion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here's where a smart person will pause.

The Guardian - Money

"I'm, like, a really smart person".

The Guardian

I'm, like, a really smart person". So where did this really smart person go to school?

The Washington Post

"He's a smart person, no doubt about it.

The New York Times

And they said, we thought you were smart person.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smart person", consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the desired connotation. For formal settings, consider alternatives like "intelligent individual" or "knowledgeable person".

Common error

Avoid using "smart person" excessively in formal writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using different adjectives and synonyms to describe intelligence, such as "astute", "bright", or "clever".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smart person" functions as a descriptive term, specifically an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It's used to attribute the quality of intelligence or cleverness to an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smart person" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone with intelligence or cleverness. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, its level of formality may not always be appropriate for every situation. When choosing to use "smart person", consider your audience and the specific message you intend to convey. If formality is key, alternatives like "intelligent individual" or "knowledgeable person" could be better options. As highlighted in the writing guidance, varying your language with alternatives prevents overuse and adds nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligent individual

Emphasizes intellectual capacity and individuality.

clever thinker

Highlights the person's ability to think quickly and ingeniously.

bright mind

Focuses on the brilliance and sharpness of the person's intellect.

knowledgeable person

Stresses the breadth and depth of the person's knowledge.

astute individual

Highlights the person's shrewdness and perceptiveness.

gifted intellect

Emphasizes innate talent and intellectual prowess.

capable mind

Focuses on the person's ability to handle complex tasks and solve problems.

brainy person

Informal way of saying someone is very intelligent.

wise individual

Highlights wisdom and good judgement in addition to intelligence.

sharp person

Suggests quick-wittedness and mental agility.

FAQs

How can I use "smart person" in a sentence?

You can use "smart person" to describe someone intelligent or knowledgeable. For example, "She is a "smart person" who always comes up with innovative solutions."

What are some alternatives to "smart person"?

Alternatives to "smart person" include "intelligent individual", "clever thinker", or "bright mind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "smart person" or "intelligent person"?

Both "smart person" and "intelligent person" are correct. "Intelligent person" is generally considered more formal, while "smart person" is more colloquial.

Can "smart person" be used in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "smart person" may be too informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "knowledgeable person" or "astute individual".