a clever move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever move" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or decision that demonstrates intelligence or strategic thinking. Example: "Deciding to invest in renewable energy was a clever move for the company, considering the growing demand for sustainable solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a clever move.

The New York Times - Books

The speech was a clever move politically.

The New Yorker

The lawsuit may be a clever move.

The Economist

This was a clever move.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a clever move for Owens to eliminate Styles.

Independent

This was definitely a clever move on Miliband's part.

The Guardian

It was, it turned out, a clever move.

The New York Times - Sports

Politically, the tax surcharge was a clever move.

The Guardian - Business

It's a clever move from the fashion giant.

The Guardian

Superficially, this was a clever move from George Osborne.

The Guardian

It's a clever move - twice in that over Trescothick picks out the fielder.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decision or action as "a clever move", ensure the context clearly demonstrates why it is considered intelligent or strategic. Providing specific details about the positive outcomes or advantages gained strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid labeling every strategic decision as "a clever move" without explaining the rationale behind it. Overuse dilutes the impact, and failing to provide context can make the statement seem superficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever move" functions as a noun phrase, where "clever" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "move". It typically serves as a subject complement or object complement, describing a particular action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever move" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that describes an action or decision characterized by intelligence and strategic thinking. As per Ludwig AI, its high frequency, especially in news and media contexts, suggests its versatility and broad applicability. When writing, ensure that the context supports why the move is considered clever to avoid superficiality. Alternatives like "a shrewd move" or "a smart move" can be used for nuanced emphasis. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various professional and informal communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shrewd move

Emphasizes astuteness and good judgment.

a smart move

Highlights intelligence and practicality.

a strategic decision

Focuses on the planning and long-term goals involved.

an intelligent action

Highlights the cognitive aspect and thoughtfulness behind the action.

a wise decision

Suggests prudence and foresight.

a canny tactic

Implies cleverness and resourcefulness, particularly in competitive situations.

a brilliant stroke

Suggests exceptional ingenuity and success.

an astute maneuver

Focuses on skill and perception in navigating a complex situation.

a tactical play

Emphasizes a calculated approach in achieving a specific objective.

a cunning plan

Suggests a degree of deception or artfulness in the strategy.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clever move" to describe an action or decision that demonstrates intelligence or strategic thinking. For example, "Investing in renewable energy was "a clever move" for the company because of increasing demand for sustainable solutions."

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

Some alternatives include "a smart move", "a shrewd move", or "a strategic decision". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always positive to describe something as "a clever move"?

While generally positive, the connotation can vary depending on the context. A "clever move" might sometimes imply a slightly manipulative or opportunistic action, so consider your audience and the overall tone when using the phrase.

What distinguishes "a clever move" from "a wise move"?

"A clever move" often emphasizes intelligence and ingenuity, while "a wise move" suggests prudence and long-term benefit. A move can be clever in the short term but not necessarily wise in the long term, and vice versa.