8 phrases intellectually average people use in everyday conversation

Olivia Reid by Olivia Reid | June 20, 2025, 4:18 pm

There’s a vast difference between the words used by a genius and those used by an everyday Joe.

This difference boils down to simplicity. An average person uses phrases that are simple, relatable, and straightforward, without any hint of pretentiousness or intellectual superiority.

These phrases are part of everyday conversation and help to connect with others on a deeper level. They are often peppered with humor, wisdom, and a dash of common sense.

Being intellectually average doesn’t mean you’re any less smart. In fact, it means you have the knack for making complex things seem simple and easy. And there are certain phrases that are commonly used by such people that reflect their pragmatic outlook on life.

In the next few paragraphs, I’ll share with you 8 phrases that intellectually average people use in their everyday conversations. These phrases are simple, yet profound in their own way, helping them navigate through life’s ups and downs.

So, let’s dive in and explore these everyday pearls of wisdom!

1) “It is what it is”

In our day-to-day conversations, we often come across situations where things don’t go as planned.

Life, as we know it, is unpredictable and intellectually average people have a grounded perspective about this unpredictability.

They often use the phrase “It is what it is” to acknowledge this fact. This simple phrase reflects a pragmatic outlook on life, an acceptance of reality, and the ability to move forward without dwelling on what could have been.

Think about it. How many times have you heard your friend or colleague use this phrase when they’re faced with an unexpected setback? It’s an affirmation that they’re ready to roll with the punches and adapt to the situation.

This phrase isn’t about giving up or being passive. In fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s about acknowledging the present situation, taking stock, and then deciding on the next best course of action.

So, when you hear someone say “It is what it is”, know that they’re not brushing off their responsibilities. They’re just accepting reality and are prepared to deal with it head-on.

2) “I’ll think about it”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been an advocate for thoughtful decision-making.

There was this one time when a friend pitched me a business idea. It sounded promising and the excitement in his eyes was contagious. Yet, I found myself saying, “I’ll think about it.”

It’s a phrase that’s often seen as non-committal, but in reality, it reflects the ability to take a step back and evaluate things before jumping in headfirst.

I wasn’t trying to dismiss my friend or his idea. Instead, I needed time to consider the proposal, weigh its pros and cons, and make an informed decision.

And guess what? After some thought, I decided to invest in his business and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

So, when you hear “I’ll think about it” in everyday conversation, know that it’s not a brush-off. It’s the mark of someone who takes their decisions seriously and wants to make the right choice.

And honestly, that’s a quality we could all use a little more of in our lives.

3) “Better safe than sorry”

“Better safe than sorry” is a staple phrase in the vocabulary of intellectually average people. It’s a simple, yet profound phrase that hints at the importance of precaution and the avoidance of unnecessary risks.

The phrase is rooted in old English law, where it was stated that “it is better to be safe by incurring a lesser cost now than to be sorry later.” It essentially means that it’s wise to take precautions and avoid potential problems, rather than deal with the consequences later.

In conversation, you’ll often hear this phrase used as advice or as a way to justify cautious behavior. It’s a reflection of practical wisdom and an understanding of the potential consequences of our actions.

So next time you’re faced with a decision that involves risk, remember this simple phrase. After all, it’s always better to be safe… than sorry.

4) “Let’s agree to disagree”

We’ve all been in heated discussions where it seems impossible to find common ground. In such situations, intellectually average individuals often resort to the phrase, “Let’s agree to disagree”.

This phrase isn’t a cop-out or a way to avoid conflict. Rather, it’s a respectful acknowledgment that different viewpoints exist and that it’s okay for two people to see the same situation from different angles.

Using this phrase isn’t about surrendering your stance. It’s about accepting that not every disagreement needs to end with a winner and a loser. Sometimes, the best way forward is to respect each other’s perspectives and move on.

The next time you find yourself locked in a debate with no resolution in sight, try using this phrase. It might just be the key to maintaining harmony while preserving your viewpoint.

5) “Everything happens for a reason”

Life can be a rollercoaster of experiences, filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. In those moments of uncertainty or despair, intellectually average people often find solace in the phrase, “Everything happens for a reason”.

This phrase isn’t just a way to make sense of the chaos. It’s a heartfelt belief that every event in our lives, no matter how seemingly insignificant or devastating, has a purpose.

When used in conversation, it serves as a gentle reminder that life’s trials and tribulations aren’t arbitrary. They’re stepping stones that lead us to where we need to be.

Whenever you’re going through a tough time and nothing seems to make sense, remember this phrase. It might not take the pain away or give you all the answers, but it can provide a comforting perspective to help you endure and grow from your experiences.

6) “One day at a time”

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the future. In those moments, I often find myself repeating the phrase, “One day at a time”.

This phrase is a gentle reminder to myself to focus on the present, instead of worrying about what lies ahead. It’s about handling what’s within my control and letting go of what isn’t.

When I was diagnosed with a chronic condition, this phrase became my mantra. It helped me navigate through the fear and uncertainty, encouraging me to take each day as it came rather than stressing about the entire journey ahead.

So when things get tough or you’re faced with a daunting task, remember this simple phrase. It’s a testament to our ability to endure and persevere, one day at a time.

7) “Don’t sweat the small stuff”

In our everyday conversations, we often come across people who get bothered by minor inconveniences or trivial issues. In response, intellectually average people frequently use the phrase, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”.

This phrase champions the idea of not letting minor issues or setbacks affect one’s peace of mind. It’s about understanding the bigger picture and not letting minor hiccups cloud your judgement or disrupt your day.

It’s a simple, yet powerful phrase that can help keep stress at bay and maintain a positive outlook on life.

And the next time you find yourself getting worked up over something trivial, remember this phrase. After all, life’s too short to sweat the small stuff.

8) “Live and learn”

If there’s one phrase that encapsulates the essence of an intellectually average person’s approach to life, it’s “Live and learn”.

This phrase embodies the spirit of continuous learning through life’s experiences, good or bad. It’s about acknowledging that mistakes are a part of life and that they’re stepping stones towards growth and wisdom.

So, remember, whenever you stumble or fall, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, embrace the opportunity to grow and learn from that experience. After all, that’s what life is all about – we live and we learn.

Language: The great equalizer

The beauty of language lies in its simplicity and relatability. It’s not about using complex words or intellectual jargon. It’s about communicating effectively and connecting with others on a deeper level.

The phrases we’ve discussed are a testament to this fact. They’re simple, everyday phrases used by intellectually average people, yet they carry profound wisdom and pragmatic life lessons.

So the next time you engage in a conversation, remember that the power of language lies not in intellectual superiority but in the ability to connect, empathize, and influence through simplicity.

That’s the real power of being intellectually average – the ability to make complex things seem simple and relatable. After all, language is the great equalizer.