People who say this often are actually above average in intelligence

So what makes someone smart? Well, surely the words you choose. We can all talk nonsense. But what do really smart, above-average intelligent people often say?

It turns out that people of high intelligence often use certain words or statements more often, because they are naturally curious, open-minded and analytical. So you can pay a little attention to it, to what someone repeats often.

1. ‘It's complicated, it's not that simple to find this or that’
Instead of seeing everything in black and white, people with high IQ have a good understanding of the complexity of issues. Be it social issues, science or relationships, they understand that there are multiple sides to a story. The ability to recognise these nuances indicates a deeper understanding and critical thinking. Get it? So they don't necessarily think that this politician is bad and the other is good, there is always something in the middle.

2. ‘What if...?’
Hypothetical questions such as “What if...?” are typical of intelligent people. They like to explore possibilities and enjoy thinking about how something could be different. This open and often playful thinking helps them look at problems from multiple angles and find creative solutions.

3. ‘Maybe I'm wrong, you know’
Smart people realise that there is always room for improvement and that their knowledge is not perfect. By admitting that they can be wrong, they show self-reflection and openness to new information. They are willing to revise their point of view based on new facts and insights. And no, so getting something wrong is not stupid. On the contrary, it is smart.

4. ‘Can you explain that?’
They want to keep learning. Seeking clarity and deeper knowledge is a sign of high intellect. When someone asks for more explanation or probing on a topic, it shows their desire to really understand what is being discussed. They are interested in the heart of the subject and do not just want superficial answers. Trust me: very few people do this. You think people are listening to you or want to know something, but they usually drop out after two sentences. People are naturally preoccupied with themselves. But very smart people, they pay attention.

5. ‘I'm curious what you think.’
Intelligent people value the opinions of others and often seek perspectives that are different from their own. What do you think? That's what they really want to hear. This shows that they are open to new ideas and understand multiple perspectives - smart, that is. Because just knowing your own right? That's very superficial.

6. ‘Let's recap’
Many people with high intelligence naturally tend to bring structure and order to everything they do or experience. They like to create overview and make connections, which helps them understand complicated topics more easily and communicate clearly about them. They want to check that they are not missing anything and understand everything.

7. ‘I need time to think about it, I'll get back to you, OK?’
Deep thinkers often take time to think about things before drawing conclusions. The ability to step back and reflect for a moment, without giving an immediate answer, indicates a careful way of thinking. They value well-thought-out decisions and avoid hasty judgements. Well, not so impulsive and spontaneous perhaps... But bereslim.