16 Phrases That Instantly Make You Sound More Intelligent, According to Etiquette Experts

"OK, Einstein" is often used in jest when someone states the obvious. Yet, what if you really want to sound as intelligent as the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who developed the most famous equation ever (E = mc²)? 

"When we engage in conversation with people and want to come across as intelligent and knowledgeable, it's important to remember that intelligence lies in curiosity," says Jenny Dreizen, a modern-day etiquette expert and COO of Fresh Starts Registry. "Having a confident curiosity is a great leading disposition to come across as intelligent — which you are, so this should be easy."

Indeed, sounding more elevated doesn't need to be rocket science.  Etiquette experts shared 16 simple phrases that make you sound instantly more intelligent. Keep them in the back of your (bright) mind to pull out when the time is right. 

Related: 11 Phrases To Use Instead of Automatically Agreeing With Someone—When You Actually Disagree, According to Psychologists

16 Genius Phrases To Sound More Intelligent, According to Etiquette Experts

1. "I've wondered about that. I'd love to really dig into that and discuss it after."

You don't have to know everything to sound more intelligent.

"This phrase shows an intellectual curiosity, even if it's on a topic you know little about," Dreizen says. "it makes you seem eager to learn and educate yourself."

2. "I would love to share what I've learned."

Lifelong learners: You have an instant leg-up. However, it's this phrase's intentional word choice that speaks volumes to Mason Farmani, an intuitive personal and corporate life coach. 

"This phrase positions you as someone knowledgeable and eager to contribute," Farmani says. "By saying this, you frame the conversation as sharing rather than lecturing."

3. "I see your point, but I'd like to pose an alternative."

Life would be boring if we all agreed on everything all the time. However, the ability to respectfully disagree and engage in an argument has gone by the wayside. This phrase brings the idea it's possible back to life.

"Saying this demonstrates active listening and respect for the other person's point of view while still allowing you to express your perspective," Farmani says.

4. "Let’s look at the bigger picture before deciding.”

Sometimes, the best way to go forward is to step back.

"You put your strategic thinking on display by using this phrase because you are encouraging the consideration of broader implications," says Jules Hirst, the founder and etiquette expert at Etiquette Consulting, Inc. "You show that you are not only focused on the immediate details but also are considering the long-term consequences."

5. "I’m not sure, but I can find out. "

A shorter version of No. 1 that drives home that I-don't-know-it-alls are brilliant humans. 

"This is a genuine and thoughtful phrase that puts your humility on display as you acknowledge that you don’t know everything," Hirst says. "At the same time, you are also demonstrating an eagerness to learn and encourage self-growth opportunities."

6. "Let’s explore the pros and cons before moving forward."

While the pressure to make an instant decision is real in this on-demand era, it's often wise to wait.

"By critically analyzing both sides of a decision, you display a balanced approach to decision-making," Hirst says. "This phrase shows off your thoughtfulness and that you are methodical in your actions."

7. "I hear what you are saying..."

Karen Thomas of Karen Thomas Etiquette prefers this one to the colloquial "I hear ya."

"It shows a broader vocabulary and can elevate the perception of you to others," Thomas says.

8. “Yes, and I think really zeroing in on this point..."

Dreizen finds this phrase was especially effective when discussing readings in college. 

"This shows you are able to make connections across a topic while still being specific in conversation," Dreizen says.

9. "It's always been my understanding..."

This phrase is clutch during misunderstandings, such as if some confusion at work led to a missed deadline. 

"This shows you've considered this topic before and had some significant thought on it but leaves space for other's opinions or facts and figures you might not be aware of," Dreizen says.

10. "You know, I always thought [idea], but I recently found out [new information], and that really made me think."

Growth mindset for the win.

"An unspoken tenet of intelligence is the ability to integrate new information, so demonstrating that you are able to integrate new information is a great way to display intelligence," Dreizen says.

11. "You know, I don't know much about this topic. I'd be open to learning if you're in the mood to teach."

This phrase is an excellent way to show your intelligence when you're not the smartest person in the room.

"Not knowing is OK and asking questions...shows curiosity and confidence in your own intelligence," Dreizen says. 

Dreizen notes that this phrase also asks the person if they're in the mood to teach instead of assuming they are eager to take on the load of educating you.

12. "I’m interested in your take on this."

Hirst loves how this one invites someone else to share and shine.

"Opening up the discussion to other viewpoints shows you value different perspectives and are not afraid to allow others to shine," Hirst says. "This shows off your emotional awareness, which is a sought-after skill."

13. “Would you mind clarifying what you mean by that?”

This one is just a smart idea—period—whether or not you want to sound more intelligent. Clarification can prevent confusion and mistakes that can later make someone feel less than intelligent.

"This phrase shows your engagement in the conversation and that you value clarity and understanding," Hirst says. "You are seen as attentive and eager to make sure there is no miscommunication."

14. "What do you foresee if we proceed with this plan?"

This question is forward-looking.

"This phrase shows you understand the importance of planning and have been considering potential outcomes," Farmani says.

15. "I am wrong. I need to apologize."

Surprised? Don't be.

"Admitting when you are in the wrong and apologizing when it's appropriate is a sign of intelligence," Farmani says. "It shows the other person that the relationship is important to you."

16. "I made a mistake."

Sticking with the plot twists...

"As simple as this may seem, it is very difficult for many people to say this phrase," Hirst says. "Admitting to an error shows that you can take responsibility for your actions and not be afraid to recognize your faults. Your self-awareness displays a level of intelligence not reached by a lot of people."

Related: 7 Signs You Were Raised by Emotionally Immature Parents, According to a Psychologist

The No. 1 Mistake People Make When Trying to Sound More Intelligent

Avoid tossing together big-word salads.

"Overusing complex vocabulary can be counterproductive, especially if what you are trying to communicate is not difficult to understand," Farmani says. "If your audience does not know the technical terms you use, you will either lose them completely or force them to pause and think about what you mean."

Farmani adds that using tons of jargon and words best left to the SAT prep books and the National Spelling Bee can be alienating and pretentious to your audience.

Also, you'll definitely want to ensure you know the definitions of the words you're using.

"This tactic may backfire and allow you to fail at your attempt to sound intelligent or credible," Thomas says.

Up Next:

Related: 16 Things People With High Emotional Intelligence Often Say, According to Psychologists

Expert Sources

• Jenny Dreizen, a modern-day etiquette expert and COO of Fresh Starts Registry

• Mason Farmani, an intuitive personal and corporate life coach

• Jules Hirst, the founder and etiquette expert at Etiquette Consulting, Inc.

• Karen Thomas of Karen Thomas Etiquette