a clever combination

USAGE SUMMARY

'a clever combination' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a combination of ideas, words, or actions that is thought to be smart or successful. For example: "The chef's clever combination of flavors in the dish gave it a unique and delicious taste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But the tournament includes features that the organisers hope will accelerate innovation without the incentive of cash.One is a clever combination of competition and co-operation.

The Economist

While it is certainly a clever combination, the C-211 appears to be a transitional technology, a camera that will either rapidly evolve into a more streamlined and affordable camera or quickly disappear.

The New York Times - Tech

Forcing Mr Sharon to embark on this internal Israeli fight will require a clever combination of goading from America and sweet reasonableness, aimed over Mr Sharon's head at Israeli opinion, from Mr Abbas.

The Economist

We also loved the surprises: the poems that start off being about one thing and end up being about another; the poems that comment on the article they came from; the poems that smash together unlikely words and images, or a clever combination of Times source material, to say something new.

The New York Times

Winman certainly has a way with imagery though, a clever combination of the literal and the metaphorical: a woman who's clad in the wrong footwear to scale the wall Drake's built around his heart, "hers were far too sensible for a man like Drake"; or a bruise "inching acr oss" a heart.

Independent

In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, a clever combination of a mobile phone, a fingerprint reader and a small printer is used to disburse welfare payments and pensions directly cutting out the middleman, often a corrupt local official who takes a cut.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"I actually thought it was a rather clever combination of words at the time, but almost everyone thought it stood for 'snatch,'" said Exton.

TechCrunch

"We hope it's a pretty integrated clever combination that eventually creates surround sound," she said.

The New York Times

Some libraries have adapted to change brilliantly: Stradbroke library in Suffolk won an award earlier this month, for its clever combination of library and post office (the post office revenues have boosted the library's income and library visits have shot up from 1,000 per month in 2013/4 to 2,700 per month now).

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a clever, commercial combination, but how much staying power does it have?

The New York Times

From the first articles of Lodwick in 1968, using a computer program for the first time, the clever combination of well-analysed and well-recognized signs leads to an efficient diagnostic probability.

Cancer Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a solution, strategy, or design, use "a clever combination" to emphasize the intelligence and ingenuity behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "a clever combination" simply as filler. Ensure the combination you're describing genuinely exhibits intelligence or ingenuity; otherwise, opt for a more neutral term like "method" or "approach".

Linguistic Context

Adjective phrase modifying a noun. The phrase "a clever combination" functions as an adjectival phrase, describing the noun "combination". It highlights the ingenuity or intelligence behind the way different elements are brought together. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples demonstrating its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever combination" is a commonly used phrase employed to praise the ingenuity and effectiveness of a method, solution, or design. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various audiences. When writing, use it to highlight intelligent and resourceful solutions, but avoid overuse without genuine justification. Consider alternatives like "a shrewd combination" or "a skillful blend" to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shrewd combination

Replaces "clever" with "shrewd", implying practicality and resourcefulness.

a skillful blend

Substitutes "combination" with "blend", emphasizing the merging aspect, and "clever" with "skillful", focusing on expertise.

an ingenious mix

Uses "ingenious" instead of "clever", highlighting inventiveness, and "mix" instead of "combination", suggesting simplicity.

a smart synthesis

Replaces "clever" with "smart", indicating intelligence, and "combination" with "synthesis", which implies a more complex integration.

an artful fusion

Employs "artful" instead of "clever", suggesting aesthetic quality, and "fusion" instead of "combination", denoting seamless integration.

a deft merging

Uses "deft" in place of "clever", emphasizing dexterity, and "merging" instead of "combination", stressing the act of combining.

a strategic amalgamation

Substitutes "clever" with "strategic", highlighting planning, and "combination" with "amalgamation", suggesting a complex mixture.

a canny synthesis

Replaces "clever" with "canny", suggesting good judgment, and "combination" with "synthesis", indicating a deliberate process.

a resourceful integration

Employs "resourceful" instead of "clever", highlighting the ability to find solutions, and "integration" instead of "combination", emphasizing unity.

a cunning arrangement

Replaces "clever" with "cunning", which can imply deceptiveness, and "combination" with "arrangement", suggesting order.

FAQs

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

Use "a clever combination" to describe a resourceful or intelligent mixing of elements to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "The company's success was due to "a clever combination" of marketing and product development."

What are some alternatives to "a clever combination"?

You can use alternatives like "a shrewd combination", "a skillful blend", or "an ingenious mix" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very clever combination"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" to "a clever combination" can be redundant. "Clever" already implies intelligence and ingenuity, so "very clever" may not add significant emphasis. Consider using a stronger adjective like "brilliant" or "ingenious" instead.

How does "a clever combination" differ from "a lucky coincidence"?

"A clever combination" implies intentional design and intelligence in bringing elements together, while "a lucky coincidence" suggests a fortunate, unplanned occurrence. One is the result of skill, the other of chance.