a clever person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is intelligent, quick-witted, or resourceful. Example: "She is a clever person who always finds innovative solutions to problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Clearly [he's] a clever person.

The Guardian - Film

"Well, I'm a clever person".

The Guardian

"You're such a clever person," Dujardin said, stroking her brown back.

The New Yorker

And a clever person like yourself can find a multitude of more meaningful matters to obsess over.

The New York Times

Often simple advice offered by a clever person can have great impact, as it did in this case.

The New York Times

The first is when there is a new idea, product, service, or technology dreamed up by a clever person or group of people.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

You don't have to be a blogger or journalist to assist; any clever person is qualified to serve on the legislative network, for instance, and various disparate skill sets are of potential use in our campaign to engage the traditional news outlets and demonstrate the viability of technocratic online citizen initiatives.

Huffington Post

Don't waste your time on things any clever person can do.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A really clever person and could find joy in a bottle of DeSante.

Huffington Post

A normal, clever person who tells us things we don't know, in a non-patronising, enthusiastic, useful way.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Andy's a very clever person.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clever person" when you want to highlight someone's intelligence, ingenuity, or resourcefulness in solving problems or understanding complex situations.

Common error

In academic or professional writing, avoid overusing "clever", as it can sometimes imply cunning or trickery rather than genuine intelligence. Opt for more formal alternatives like "intelligent", "astute", or "knowledgeable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "clever" modifies the noun "person". It serves to describe someone with intelligence and resourcefulness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clever person" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe someone intelligent and resourceful. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability. While suitable for many contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "astute individual" or "knowledgeable expert" in academic or professional settings. Usage patterns show it's most frequently found in news and media, with less common occurrences in more formal or academic contexts. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize someone's ingenuity and problem-solving abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart person

Replaces "clever" with a more general term for intelligence.

an intelligent individual

Uses a more formal term for "person" and a synonym for "clever".

a bright spark

Employs a more figurative and informal description of intelligence.

a gifted individual

Highlights innate talent rather than learned skill.

a resourceful person

Focuses on the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

a quick thinker

Emphasizes the speed and agility of thought.

a sharp mind

Highlights mental acuity and keenness.

a wise individual

Indicates someone with deep understanding and good judgment.

a knowledgeable person

Highlights breadth of learning and information.

an astute observer

Focuses on the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a clever person"?

Describing someone as "a clever person" means they are intelligent, quick-witted, and resourceful. They often demonstrate ingenuity in problem-solving and have a knack for understanding complex issues.

What can I say instead of "a clever person"?

You can use alternatives like "a smart person", "an intelligent individual", or "a resourceful person" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a clever person" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "a clever person" may be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "an astute individual" or "a knowledgeable expert" to maintain a professional tone.

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

While both terms denote intelligence, "clever" emphasizes quick-wittedness and ingenuity, whereas "wise" suggests deep understanding, experience, and good judgment. A "clever person" is skilled at solving problems, while "a wise person" has profound insight and makes sound decisions.