that was smart

USAGE SUMMARY

'that was smart' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to acknowledge something that someone has said or done that was particularly intelligent or thoughtful. For example, "You figured out the answer in less than a minute - that was smart!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The writers would also benefit from watching a few seasons of "Slings & Arrows," a terrific backstage television series that was smart and proud of it.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Foraker said the deal would allow Amgen to develop biosimilars "in a way that was smart, that didn't distract the organization from our main innovative business".

The New York Times - Health

At 100% Design, there was much of the same practical-minded versatility -- a kind of suggestiveness in objects that was smart and fresh.

The New York Times

Reviewing the second book for The New York Times, Janet Maslin called it a "lean, incisive" work that was "smart, serious, heartfelt and confessional without being maudlin".

The New York Times - Books

Nick Collison scored 23 for the Jayhawks, whose only leads in the game were at 2-0, 4-0 and 4-3; Kanspentpent 37 minutes chasing a team that was smart enough and tough enough to protect a lead.

The New York Times - Sports

They slowed it down at the ruck, that was smart by their coach.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

And companies that are smart see that.

The New York Times

There are things out there beyond PBS that are smart.

The New York Times - Magazine

Um yeah, that's smart.

Huffington Post

Research cellular phones that are "smart".

WikiHow

Maybe a condom dispenser – that's smarter".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was smart" to acknowledge a clever or intelligent action or decision someone has made. It's best used in conversational or informal settings where direct praise is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "that was smart" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "that was an astute decision" or "that was a strategic move" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was smart" functions as an evaluative statement, typically used to express approval or recognition of someone's intelligence, cleverness, or good judgment. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

46%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was smart" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to commend someone's intelligence or cleverness. According to Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its use in everyday communication and commentary. While appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, it's best to opt for more formal alternatives in professional settings. When considering alternatives, phrases like "that was clever", "that was astute", and "that was ingenious" can offer more nuanced expressions of approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was clever

Highlights ingenuity or quick-wittedness in a past action.

that was astute

Emphasizes keen perception and insightful judgment.

that was ingenious

Suggests remarkable inventiveness or cleverness in the approach.

that was a wise move

Focuses on the prudence and good judgment of the action taken.

that was a smart decision

Directly highlights the intelligence behind a particular choice.

that was canny

Implies shrewdness and careful consideration of consequences.

that was insightful

Emphasizes the depth of understanding demonstrated.

that was brilliant

Suggests exceptional intelligence and effectiveness.

that was strategic

Highlights a well-thought-out plan to achieve a specific goal.

that was savvy

Implies practical intelligence and awareness of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "that was smart" in a sentence?

Use "that was smart" to express approval of someone's clever or intelligent action. For example, "You anticipated the problem and fixed it before it escalated—"that was smart"."

What are some alternatives to saying "that was smart"?

You can use alternatives such as "that was clever", "that was astute", or "that was ingenious" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "that was smart" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "that was smart" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "that was a wise decision" or "that was strategic".

What's the difference between "that was smart" and "that's smart"?

"That was smart" refers to a past action or decision, whereas "that's smart" refers to a current or ongoing situation. For example, "Giving her a head start, "that was smart"" (past), versus "That's smart, giving you time to plan." (current).