a clever approach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever approach" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a method or strategy that is intelligent or innovative. Example: "The team presented a clever approach to solving the complex problem, which impressed the judges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But a clever approach can neutralise media hostility.

The Guardian - Opinion

While certainly a clever approach, StreetBump has a signal problem.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a clever approach, and I found that I liked it the more I used it.

The New York Times

Depending on how you look at it, it's a clever approach, or a highly frustrating swerve.

The Guardian - Film

It's a clever approach, the mentality that he'll try anything he thinks might help his side, however marginally, in what is a huge, huge game.

Independent

Dr. Vogelstein said the Onyx viruses were a clever approach but, even though very promising, they had problems of immunogenicity and delivery to overcome.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

BOSTON--A clever approach to gene therapy is a step closer to reaching the clinic.

Science Magazine

Tillerson "brought a more clever approach, a more PR-savvy approach, to climate at Exxon, but the company really didn't change its stripes much," said Kert Davies, who leads the Climate Investigations Center and was the creator of ExxonSecrets, a Greenpeace program tracking the company's climate denial.

Huffington Post

Dr. Bertram praised the team's tracking collar as "a very clever approach" that uses the latest technology to study cheetah movement in a way that had never been done before.

The New York Times - Science

"It's a very clever approach".

Science Magazine

"This was a very clever approach," Hufbauer says, because few researchers publicly report how their grants were scored, obscuring such variation.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a method or strategy, use "a clever approach" to highlight intelligence and innovation. For example, "The team presented a clever approach to solving the complex problem, which impressed the judges."

Common error

Avoid using "a clever approach" merely as a filler. Ensure the described method genuinely demonstrates intelligence or ingenuity to justify the adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever approach" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a method or strategy that demonstrates intelligence or ingenuity, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clever approach" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an intelligent or innovative method. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples that highlight its function in praising or describing ingenuity. While alternatives like "an ingenious method" or "a smart strategy" exist, "a clever approach" maintains its own distinct emphasis on the resourcefulness and intelligence applied in a given situation. When using this phrase, ensure the approach genuinely demonstrates intelligence to avoid overuse and maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious method

Suggests a higher level of inventiveness and originality compared to the original phrase.

a smart strategy

Highlights the strategic planning and intelligence behind the approach.

an innovative technique

Emphasizes the novelty and creativity of the method.

a resourceful tactic

Focuses on the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

a brilliant solution

Highlights the effectiveness and success of the approach.

a perceptive method

Emphasizes the insight and understanding used to develop the approach.

a skillful tactic

Emphasizes the expertise with which the approach is executed.

a shrewd maneuver

Implies a degree of cunning and astuteness in the approach.

a cunning strategy

Indicates a strategic plan marked by skill in deception.

an artful dodge

Suggests a clever way of avoiding something, often with a hint of deception.

FAQs

How can I use "a clever approach" in a sentence?

Use "a clever approach" to describe a method or strategy that is intelligent, resourceful, or innovative. For example, "The company adopted "a clever approach" to marketing, which significantly boosted sales."

What are some alternatives to "a clever approach"?

You can use alternatives like "an ingenious method", "a smart strategy", or "an innovative technique" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a very clever approach"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "a very clever approach" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether the "very" adds significant emphasis, or if the inherent meaning of "clever" is sufficient. You could also use alternatives like "an exceptionally ingenious method".

What's the difference between "a clever approach" and "a wise approach"?

"A clever approach" emphasizes intelligence and ingenuity, while "a wise approach" ("a wise approach") emphasizes experience and good judgment. A clever approach might be innovative but risky, whereas a wise approach is typically more cautious and well-considered.