very smart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very smart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that somebody or something is particularly intelligent. For example, "She is a very smart student who always excels in her classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very smart, too.

The Guardian - Sport

"You're very, very smart".

The New Yorker

"A very smart man".

The New Yorker

Very creative, very smart.

The New York Times

"He was very smart.

The New York Times

"Zarqawi was very smart.

The Guardian

Not very smart.

The New Yorker

Also very smart.

The New Yorker

He is very smart.

The New York Times - Food

She's been very smart".

The New York Times

It is very smart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very smart" to emphasize a high level of intelligence or cleverness, but consider alternatives like "highly intelligent" or "exceptionally bright" for nuanced expression.

Common error

While "very smart" is widely understood, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "astute" or "knowledgeable" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very smart" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, emphasizing a high level of intelligence or cleverness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very smart" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something as intelligent or clever. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in written English. While versatile, "very smart" can sometimes sound informal, especially in academic or professional contexts, where alternatives like "highly intelligent" or "exceptionally bright" might be more appropriate. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for a broad audience. To enhance your writing, consider the specific context and choose synonyms that reflect the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly intelligent

Emphasizes a high degree of intelligence.

extremely clever

Highlights the quick-witted and ingenious nature of someone.

exceptionally bright

Focuses on the person's mental acuity and quick understanding.

remarkably astute

Indicates a keen ability to assess situations and people.

brilliantly insightful

Stresses the depth and penetration of their understanding.

incredibly sharp-witted

Highlights their quick and clever responses.

extraordinarily knowledgeable

Focuses on the breadth and depth of their knowledge.

profoundly perceptive

Emphasizes their deep understanding of complex issues.

highly ingenious

Highlights their creativity and inventiveness.

particularly clever

A slightly less intense way to say someone is smart.

FAQs

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

You can use "very smart" to describe someone's intelligence or cleverness. For example, "She is a very smart student" or "That was a very smart move".

What are some alternatives to saying "very smart"?

You can use alternatives like "highly intelligent", "extremely clever", or "exceptionally bright" depending on the context.

Is "very smart" too informal for academic writing?

In some cases, yes. While grammatically correct, "very smart" may sound too casual for formal academic papers. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "astute" or "perceptive".

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

"Very smart" is a general term, while "highly intelligent" suggests a more profound level of intellectual capacity. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.