A nerd is someone who is really into one subject, especially computers, and knows loads of facts about it. The second meaning is unkind: an awkward, unattractive person who doesn't know how to fit in with others. People use the word about themselves with a smile, and I was a bit of a nerd at school sounds natural in conversation and in IELTS Speaking; in an essay, write passionate about or very interested in instead.
Could you drop nerd into a text?
Write a short message — we'll show the mistakes right away and suggest how to say it more naturally.
The check is taking longer than usual. Your feedback will appear here automatically.
a + topic + nerd (a history/computer nerd); a bit of a nerd; nerdy (adjective)
- I'm a bit of a history nerd, so the castle tour was my favourite part of the trip.
- Ask Dan about your laptop, he's a total computer nerd and loves fixing things.
- At school some kids called him a nerd just because he loved maths and wore glasses.
What changed
First versionAt school I was a real botanist: I did all my homework and never went to parties.
RevisionAt school I was a real nerd: I did all my homework and never went to parties.
In English, botanist means only a scientist who studies plants, so it can't describe a hard-working pupil. A student who always has their nose in a book is called a nerd.
A close word is geek: also someone who is into their subject and knows a lot about it, especially computers (a computer geek). The two are often interchangeable, but nerd is more linked to studying and knowledge (a maths nerd), while geek is more linked to a passion for technology, games or films (a film geek).
Your turn
I know it sounds a bit ___, but I love making spreadsheets for our holiday budget.
Show the answer
nerdy — After a bit you need an adjective, so nerdy: it sounds a bit nerdy. Nerd is a noun, so you say a bit of a nerd, and a bit nerd is a mistake.
Talk about a subject you know better than most people around you. Use nerd with the name of the subject and give one example that shows it.
I'm a real coffee nerd: I weigh the beans every morning and know which farm they come from.
Learn to use new words without mistakes
Write phrases with the words you are learning. LetsWords shows mistakes in usage and grammar, suggests corrections and explains them, and review helps the words stick.