a clever fellow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever fellow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is intelligent or quick-witted, often in a light-hearted or informal context. Example: "Everyone in the group admired his ability to solve problems quickly; he truly is a clever fellow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

What a clever fellow was George.

The Guardian - Opinion

Henry Nguyen likely is a clever fellow and a perfectly competent, perhaps even spectacular, businessman.

The Economist

André Boisclair, who became leader last month, is a clever fellow who is famous mainly for being young, gay and a former cocaine user.

The Economist

He's a clever fellow, but knows less than nothing about television – unless you think that men who run supermarkets can run anything.

The Guardian

This is coach-speak for "look at me, what a clever fellow I am to take some of the most costly players in Christendom and drill into them the importance of preventing the best team in Europe from scoring in our own stadium".

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't so much that the party's leaders were dumb — Palmerston was a clever fellow, and so was Disraeli — but that the majority of the party, the lumpen aristocracy and its hangers on, appeared to have set its face against the modern world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"You're a very clever fellow," Hagel replied, smiling.

The New Yorker

There was no question that this was a very clever fellow.

The New Yorker

You then turn up the lights and quietly ask your audience if they do not think your friend is a very clever fellow?

WikiHow

"No doubt he is sometimes a little mad," the military secretary to the commander-in-chief replied, "but in his lucid intervals he is an uncommonly clever fellow though he looked a little wild before he embarked".

The Economist

This clever fellow took a series of twenty second exposures over a nine hour time frame, and then stacked them together to make a video.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clever fellow" when you want to convey intelligence and resourcefulness in a slightly old-fashioned or whimsical way. It's generally suitable for informal or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a clever fellow" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more neutral terms like "an intelligent person" or "a skilled individual" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever fellow" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It is used to attribute the quality of cleverness to a person, characterizing them as intelligent and resourceful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever fellow" is a phrase used to describe someone who is intelligent and resourceful, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and fairly common, it is best suited for informal or narrative contexts and should be used with caution in formal settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Arts and Books. Alternatives such as "an intelligent individual" or "a smart person" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and formality. This comprehensive analysis provides a clear understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and potential alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart person

Uses simpler and more common vocabulary.

an intelligent individual

Replaces "clever" with "intelligent" and "fellow" with "individual", resulting in a more formal tone.

a quick-witted individual

Highlights the speed and ingenuity of thought.

an astute character

Replaces "clever" with "astute" and "fellow" with "character", suggesting keen discernment.

a bright spark

Employs a more figurative and informal expression.

a resourceful man

Focuses on the aspect of being able to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

a sharp cookie

An informal idiom emphasizing intelligence and cunning.

a genius

Implies an exceptional level of intellectual ability.

a mastermind

Suggests exceptional planning and strategic skills.

a prodigy

Refers to someone with exceptional talent at a young age.

FAQs

What does "a clever fellow" mean?

The phrase "a clever fellow" is an expression used to describe someone who is intelligent, quick-witted, and resourceful. It often carries a slightly old-fashioned or informal tone.

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

You might say, "He devised a brilliant solution to the problem; he's truly "a clever fellow"."

What are some alternatives to "a clever fellow"?

You can use alternatives like "an intelligent individual", "a smart person", or "a resourceful man" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "a clever fellow" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a clever fellow" is generally more suitable for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "a skilled individual".