smarter

USAGE SUMMARY

'smarter' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe a person or thing that more clever or intelligent than another. For example, "She is smarter than her twin sister."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should be getting a lot smarter about using infrastructure in order to minimise the amount of dumping, especially when ports are operating at 50% capacity on the reef".

The Guardian

"I will leave all that wondrous stuff on foreign affairs to those who are on a vastly better pay scale and smarter than I am," Joyce said.

The Guardian

So we don't question whether or not Chicago needs to become smarter or savvy-er in its use of technology, it just simply is the only way we'll be able to meet the demands of our residents".

The Guardian

Higher-spec devices such as smartphones and tablets can perform the same functions in more user-friendly ways, for instance through multimedia apps, and can also draw on a wider range of sensors and capacities – eg accelerometers, GPS and camera – to generate richer data and smarter interventions.

The Guardian

"Looking back, it would have been probably, you know, smarter to have used two devices," Clinton said.

The Guardian

"Here was this fellow the same age as me who was 10 times smarter and more articulate, was a huge success socially and had strong opinions about writers like Tennyson, which he could back up with a clever gag.

The Guardian

There is a new breed of students in town and they're looking for accommodation just a little smarter than your average digs.

The Guardian - Money

Things needed to be bigger, faster, smarter; more of everything but for less time, money and security.

The Guardian

Britons are working much smarter and less hard than in the 1950s, though at present output per hour worked is 16% lower than in France, 18% lower than in Germany and 23% lower than in the United States.

The Guardian

It also bought US producer Zoo, whose credits include Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, remade in the UK as Sky One's Are You Smarter Than A 10-Year-Old?

The Guardian

It probably would not happen that way today, when market failure is even more evident and the need for active government – "smarter" as Mandelson would say – is so obvious.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smarter" to suggest an improvement in strategy, design, or approach. It's effective in contexts where ingenuity or cleverness is valued.

Common error

Ensure that when using "smarter", the object being compared is explicitly stated. Saying something is simply "smarter" without context leaves room for ambiguity. Be specific about what makes it "smarter".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "smarter" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a greater degree of intelligence, efficiency, or strategic advantage when compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Lifestyle

16%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Tech

4%

Books

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "smarter" functions as a comparative adjective, indicating a higher degree of intelligence, efficiency, or strategic advantage. Ludwig AI validates that "smarter" is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Lifestyle contexts. While "smarter" is generally acceptable, more formal synonyms may be preferable in academic or scientific writing. To ensure clarity, specify the object being compared and what makes it "smarter". Avoid vague comparisons, and consider the audience and context when choosing between "smarter" and more formal alternatives like "more intelligent" or "more strategic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more intelligent

Replaces "smarter" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the quality of intelligence.

more astute

Emphasizes sharpness and perceptiveness in understanding situations.

more clever

Highlights ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

more ingenious

Focuses on inventive and creative problem-solving abilities.

more strategic

Stresses the use of careful planning and skillful strategies.

more insightful

Emphasizes a deeper understanding and clearer perception.

more resourceful

Highlights the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

better informed

Focuses on having more knowledge and understanding of a particular subject.

more skilled

Highlights improved proficiency and competence in a specific area.

sharper

Implies increased mental acuity and quickness.

FAQs

How can I use "smarter" in a sentence?

"Smarter" is used to indicate a higher level of intelligence or efficiency compared to something else. For example, "This new software is "smarter" than the old one because it automates several tasks."

What's a good alternative to using "smarter"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "smarter" include "more intelligent", "more astute", or "more strategic".

When should I use "smarter" instead of "more intelligent"?

"Smarter" is generally more informal and can imply efficiency or cleverness, while "more intelligent" is more formal and directly relates to cognitive ability. Consider the audience and context to choose the appropriate term. For instance, a "more intelligent" design focuses on design and ingenuity, while saying to study smarter means you have to implement better methods for studying.

Is it always appropriate to use "smarter" in formal writing?

While "smarter" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal synonyms like "more astute", "more strategic", or "more efficient" in academic or professional writing to maintain a higher level of formality.