smartly

USAGE SUMMARY

"smartly" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something done with skill or quick thinking, or used as an adverb meaning in a clever or quick way. For example: "He smartly solved the puzzle in record time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Randolph also saved smartly with his legs to deny Wilson after Bournemouth's top-scorer had been played through by Kermorgant.

The Guardian - Sport

When he wears a suit, he's simply perceived to be professionally and smartly dressed.

The Guardian

And while Unfriended might not reach the giddy fright heights it aims for (there's a bit too much minimising and maximising windows to fully terrify), it's a smartly constructed set of tricks.

The Guardian - Film

Coventry broke smartly as a Sutton free-kick was repelled, and Sedgley sent an inviting pass into the home penalty area.

The Guardian - Sport

"The local politicians have sold us down the river, said Phil Coombe, 64, a smartly dressed and well-spoken retired engineer.

The Guardian

Celtic could have been further ahead by the break as Ledley was smartly halted by the feet of the County goalkeeper, Michael Fraser.

The Guardian - Sport

In the past, the tendency has been for the public finances to deteriorate rapidly in recessions and bounce back even more smartly than forecast during recoveries.

The Guardian

For, as Merkel smartly grasps, German politics has changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have only about 20 months in which to manoeuvre, so we'll need to act quickly and act smartly," James Cullinan, chief executive of SwissVapour, tells delegates.

The Guardian

I glance down at his feet and he exclaims, "Not those – these are my cycling shoes!" Even on the radio, Webb says, "we dress reasonably smartly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I dress smartly but not formally for work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smartly" to describe actions taken with intelligence and quick thinking, such as, "The company reacted smartly to the market changes."

Common error

Avoid using "smartly" when you simply mean someone is intelligent. "Smartly" implies an action performed intelligently, not a general state of being. Instead of saying 'He is a smartly person', say 'He is an intelligent person'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "smartly" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates intelligence, quickness, or style in the execution of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smartly" functions as an adverb indicating intelligence, quickness, or style in how something is done. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable word. The usage of "smartly" is grammatically sound and common, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While "smartly" is versatile, it's essential to distinguish its meaning from direct synonyms such as "intelligent" and use it appropriately to modify verbs. The adverb "smartly" is well-regarded, showing consistent usage across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligently

Focuses specifically on the intellectual aspect of acting "smartly".

cleverly

Highlights ingenuity and resourcefulness, shifting from mere intelligence.

astutely

Emphasizes keen judgment and discernment.

shrewdly

Suggests practicality and effectiveness in dealing with situations, especially in business.

adroitly

Focuses on skill and dexterity in performance, rather than intelligence.

deftly

Indicates skillfulness and nimbleness, particularly in handling tasks or situations.

quickly

Refers to acting fast instead of acting intelligently.

promptly

Similar to quickly but with emphasis on readiness and willingness.

fashionably

Refers to acting in accordance with current trends.

stylishly

Emphasizes elegance and sophistication in appearance or manner.

FAQs

How can I use "smartly" in a sentence?

"Smartly" is generally used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed. For example, "She reacted "quickly" and "smartly" to the challenge".

What words are similar in meaning to "smartly"?

Alternatives to "smartly" include "intelligently", "cleverly", or "astutely", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of acting with intelligence or skill.

Is it correct to say someone is "smartly"?

No, "smartly" is an adverb, so it should be used to modify a verb, not describe a person directly. Instead, you would say someone is "intelligent", "clever", or "smart".

How does "smartly" differ from "cleverly"?

While both "smartly" and "cleverly" suggest intelligence, "smartly" can also imply speed and efficiency, whereas "cleverly" tends to focus more on ingenuity and resourcefulness.