a clever innovation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever innovation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a new idea, method, or product that is both smart and original. Example: "The company introduced a clever innovation that significantly improved the efficiency of their production process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I was wearing corduroy overalls, and in the front of them my mother had cut a slit so that I could go to the bathroom without needing help with the straps — a clever innovation that, to me, was a source of embarrassment and dread.

The New Yorker

The 2.5-inch prototype is little thicker than a sheet of actual paper and weighs about the same without its associated electronics.Don't expect such a clever innovation to be wasted on something as prosaic as a portable reader for e-books.

The Economist

It's a clever innovation, and one that worked well in the demo unit I tested it out on.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Letter from the Editor on page 3, superbly done by our brilliant Oliver Duff (the youngest in Fleet Street), was a very clever innovation.

Independent

What we can't fault Acura for is how well this car handles, and that's thanks to a tremendously clever innovation with the all-wheel drive system.

Forbes

Thanks to some clever innovation by a variety of financial players, a growing number of companies are getting solar electricity without paying the big upfront installation cost.

Forbes

See articleSatellite imageryBarack Obama used his state-of-the-union speech in Congress to call for more investment in research and infrastructure in order that America can compete with a surging China and India, saying their rise was another "Sputnik moment" requiring clever innovation.

The Economist

The clever innovation Guardian Circle brings is that every alert creates an "alert room," so your friends and family can coordinate their efforts to ensure that whoever is best positioned to do so can attend to the alert.

TechCrunch

The connected, wrist-worn device brought some clever innovation to the metronome, that old familiar piano-mounted accessory long banished to the dustiest corners of the music shop.

TechCrunch

If getting undressed feels more like a game of Twister, your holiday is doomed (actually, that doesn't sound too bad…) But the Terrier is a proper Tardis thanks to two clever innovations.

The Guardian - Tech

The idea, the company said in a separate statement, is to "help you get the clever innovations that you just can't find anywhere else".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a new product or process, use "a clever innovation" to emphasize its smart and original design.

Common error

While "a clever innovation" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "smart idea" or "neat trick" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever innovation" functions as a noun phrase, where "clever" is an adjective modifying the noun "innovation". According to Ludwig, it is used to describe something smart and original. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clever innovation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe an idea, method, or product that is both smart and original. As Ludwig AI explains, it is often used to emphasize the ingenuity involved. While the phrase appears across various domains, it is most commonly found in "News & Media", with a neutral to professional register. Consider alternatives like "an ingenious invention" or "a smart solution" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When writing, use the term to highlight the smart and original aspects of the topic you are describing, and avoid overuse in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious invention

Replaces 'clever' with 'ingenious' and 'innovation' with 'invention', emphasizing the inventive aspect.

a smart solution

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of the innovation, highlighting its intelligence.

a brilliant idea

Emphasizes the exceptional quality of the idea behind the innovation.

a creative breakthrough

Highlights the creative aspect and the significant progress it represents.

an inventive approach

Shifts focus to the methodology used, emphasizing its originality.

a novel concept

Stresses the newness and originality of the idea.

a resourceful method

Highlights the ability to find smart ways to overcome difficulties.

a cunning strategy

Emphasizes the cleverness and strategic advantage of the approach.

a ground-breaking development

Focuses on the impact and significance of the innovation as a step forward.

an imaginative design

Highlights the creative and inventive nature of the design.

FAQs

How can I describe something similar to "a clever innovation"?

Consider using phrases like "an ingenious invention", "a smart solution", or "a brilliant idea" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

In what kind of writing is "a clever innovation" most appropriate?

The phrase "a clever innovation" is suitable for various types of writing, including news articles, business reports, and academic papers. It's appropriate when you want to highlight the ingenuity and novelty of something.

What is the difference between "a clever innovation" and "a simple solution"?

"A clever innovation" implies a level of ingenuity and originality in addressing a problem or need. "A simple solution", on the other hand, suggests a straightforward and uncomplicated approach, without necessarily implying the same level of inventiveness.

Is "a clever innovation" redundant? Can something be not clever but still be an innovation?

While all innovations are new, not all are clever. An innovation can be a new implementation of existing technology, whereas "a clever innovation" specifically highlights the ingenuity behind the creation or implementation. Therefore, the phrase is not necessarily redundant.