unusually smart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusually smart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who demonstrates intelligence that is above the norm or expected level. Example: "Her ability to solve complex problems quickly made her stand out as unusually smart among her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But they are not unusually smart or unusually gifted.

The New Yorker

A lot of smart people find Sotomayor not just smart enough but awfully, unusually smart.

The New Yorker

He had shown himself to be unusually smart, enormously hard-working, relentless.

The Guardian

They're unusually smart works of industrial entertainment, with action choreography that's as well considered as the direction.

The New York Times

Mr. Solomon characterized her as "an unusually smart woman with the kind of smart that matures into wisdom".

The New York Times - Arts

Friday morning, 7am, and myself and an equally shabby colleague are dressing in an unusually smart manner for a Friday morning on tour.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Both were greeted at Avery Fisher Hall on Tuesday by a large and unusually smart-mouthed audience.

The New York Times

unusually fresh".

The New Yorker

He was unusually bright.

The Guardian - Books

The difference is that long ago Mr. Mehldau started playing hardball, stylizing his sound as he became relatively famous, and Mr. Yahel, even with his unusually sharp songwriting and smart arrangements, still sounds as if he's having a casual good time.

The New York Times - Arts

J. Paul Nicholas, the director, has a smart, unusually thoughtful script to work with — one that convincingly appears not to side with the abortion rights advocates or the abortion foes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unusually smart" to emphasize a notable contrast with typical expectations or surrounding circumstances. For instance, "He was unusually smart for someone his age" highlights an unexpected level of intelligence.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "unusually smart" without providing context or examples. This can come across as vague or unsubstantiated. Instead, illustrate their intelligence with specific instances of their capabilities or insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually smart" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a quality of exceptional intelligence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and can be used in written English. Examples show it modifying people, romantic comedies and even works of industrial entertainment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unusually smart" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjectival phrase to describe someone or something with notably above-average intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and while suitable for various registers, it's generally considered neutral. When using "unusually smart", provide specific examples to support the claim and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "remarkably intelligent" or "exceptionally clever" can be used to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remarkably intelligent

Replaces "smart" with a synonym that emphasizes intellectual capacity to a high degree.

Exceptionally clever

Substitutes both words with alternatives highlighting ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

Outstandingly bright

Emphasizes the level of intellectual capacity is substantially better than others.

Notably astute

Highlights keenness and discernment in understanding, offering a more formal tone.

Particularly insightful

Focuses on the depth and perceptiveness of their understanding.

Uncommonly brilliant

Stresses the rarity and superior quality of the person's intelligence.

Distinctly ingenious

Spotlights inventiveness and resourcefulness in problem-solving.

Extraordinarily perceptive

Replaces the initial term and emphasizes keen observation and understanding of subtle details.

Impressively sharp-witted

Highlights the speed and cleverness of their mental responses.

Exceedingly knowledgeable

Focuses on the breadth and depth of their knowledge base.

FAQs

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

You can use "unusually smart" to describe someone whose intelligence is notably above average, as in "She was "unusually smart" for her age, quickly grasping complex concepts".

What are some alternatives to "unusually smart"?

Alternatives include "remarkably intelligent", "exceptionally clever", or "outstandingly bright", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "unusually intelligent" instead of "unusually smart"?

While both are acceptable, "unusually intelligent" might be considered slightly more formal than "unusually smart", but the difference is minimal and largely depends on context.

What's the difference between "unusually smart" and "highly intelligent"?

"Unusually smart" suggests a noticeable degree of intelligence compared to the norm, while "highly intelligent" simply indicates a high level of intelligence without necessarily implying a comparison.