a clever man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever man" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a man who is intelligent, quick-witted, or resourceful. Example: "In the meeting, he impressed everyone with his innovative ideas; truly, he is a clever man."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Better than a clever man?

University of Pennsylvania

Waldheim is not a clever man.

The New Yorker

Boles is a clever man.

The Guardian - Opinion

Humphries is a clever man.

The Guardian

Michael Ervolini is a clever man in touch with reality.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

My grandfather was a clever man.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What a clever man," effuses Lisa-Kaindé.

The Guardian - Music

Sir Alex is, by any reckoning, a clever man.

The Economist

For a clever man, Wenger can sometimes be dismayingly obtuse.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And he added humorous touches to Surprisingly Curvaceous Pirate, Pirate With Gout and even Charles Darwin, whose bushy eyebrows and large forehead strikes a clever man-monkey balance.

The New York Times

Miliband, a clever man fallen among Blairites, responded with a clearly pre-prepared and homogenised reply.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clever man" to positively describe someone who demonstrates intelligence, ingenuity, and resourcefulness in problem-solving or decision-making.

Common error

While "a clever man" is generally acceptable, in very formal or academic writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "an astute individual" or "an intelligent strategist" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever man" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It ascribes a quality of intelligence or ingenuity to a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clever man" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a man who is intelligent, resourceful, and quick-witted. It is deemed appropriate in various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in strictly academic or professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms that its common usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and media, makes it a valuable expression for conveying admiration or recognizing someone's intellectual capabilities. While generally neutral, using it carefully can help maintain the desired tone and register in different writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An intelligent man

This alternative directly emphasizes the man's intelligence without necessarily implying resourcefulness or quick-wittedness.

A smart man

Similar to "intelligent man", but with a slightly more informal tone. Implies quick understanding and practical intelligence.

A bright man

Indicates intelligence and a quick mind, often associated with potential and promise.

A sharp man

Indicates a keen intellect and perceptive understanding.

A shrewd man

Implies astuteness and practical intelligence, especially in business or negotiations.

A quick-witted man

Focuses on the man's ability to think and respond rapidly and intelligently.

A wise man

This suggests a man with deep understanding and good judgment, often gained through experience.

An astute man

This implies keen awareness, intelligence and perceptiveness.

A resourceful man

This highlights the man's ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties or achieve goals.

A gifted man

Emphasizes natural talent and exceptional ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clever man" to describe someone who demonstrates intelligence and quick thinking, such as, "He devised a unique solution; he is truly "a clever man"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a clever man"?

Alternatives include "an intelligent man", "a smart man", or "a wise man", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe someone as "a clever man"?

While generally positive, the term can sometimes sound slightly informal. In very formal settings, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "an astute individual".

What is the difference between "a clever man" and "a wise man"?

"A clever man" typically implies intelligence and quick thinking, while "a wise man" suggests deep understanding and good judgment, often gained through experience.