smarter than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smarter than" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: "John is smarter than his brother when it comes to solving math problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Animals Are Smarter Than PETA.

Vice

I'm smarter than most.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am smarter than that.

The New York Times - Sports

We're smarter than other people".

The New Yorker

"Are Birds Smarter Than Mathematicians?

The New York Times

Are they smarter than me?

The New York Times

It's smarter than it sounds.

The New York Times

"She's smarter than me".

The New York Times

"I'm smarter than him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You're a lot smarter than I am".

The New York Times

"You have to be smarter than that".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "smarter than" in overly sensitive situations where it could be perceived as arrogant or condescending. Consider softening the comparison with phrases like "more experienced" or "more knowledgeable".

Common error

Avoid making broad, sweeping statements about someone being "smarter than" another without specifying the context. Intelligence is multifaceted, and comparisons should be specific to particular skills or areas of expertise to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smarter than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one subject possesses a greater degree of intelligence, skill, or knowledge compared to another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smarter than" is a common and grammatically correct way to compare the intelligence or capabilities of two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity. While widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and general conversation, it's essential to be mindful of the tone and potential impact on the audience. When used, make sure to provide clear context for the comparison to avoid misinterpretations and ensure that the context is appropriate for an effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more intelligent than

Replaces "smarter" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing intellectual capacity.

more astute than

Suggests a higher level of shrewdness and insight.

more clever than

Indicates a greater degree of ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

more knowledgeable than

Highlights a broader or deeper understanding of a subject.

superior in intellect to

A formal way to express intellectual dominance.

has a higher IQ than

Explicitly refers to intelligence quotient as a measure of intelligence.

more insightful than

Emphasizes the ability to understand complex situations.

more perceptive than

Highlights the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

more gifted than

Suggests a natural talent or innate ability.

more skilled than

Focuses on expertise and proficiency in a specific area.

FAQs

How can I use "smarter than" in a sentence?

You can use "smarter than" to compare the intelligence or skill level of two subjects. For example, "She is "smarter than her brother" in science" or "This phone is "smarter than my old one" because it has more features".

What are some alternatives to saying "smarter than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "more intelligent than", "more astute than", or "more knowledgeable than" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to say someone is "smarter than" someone else?

No, using "smarter than" can sometimes come across as arrogant or insensitive. Consider the context and your relationship with the people involved. Sometimes, phrases like "more experienced" or "more skilled" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "smarter than" and "more intelligent than"?

While both phrases convey a higher level of intelligence, "smarter than" is generally considered more informal. "More intelligent than" is often used in more formal or academic contexts.