a clever plan

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clever plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you want to refer to an idea or course of action that is especially clever or effective. For example: "The CEO came up with a clever plan to increase profits without sacrificing customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

AT THE time, it seemed a clever plan.

The Economist

Senator Mitch McConnell has a clever plan to resolve the federal debt impasse.

The New York Times

Sampson comes up with a clever plan and mobilises the mice – luckily there are a great many of them!

The Guardian - Books

Or was it part of a clever plan to lull him into a false sense of security?

The Guardian - Opinion

But change was happening all the same, and you can't help but respect disco's masterminds – whoever they were – for coming up with such a clever plan.

The Guardian - Film

Despite a clever plan by Stanford that frustrated Griner and kept her from being her most dominant and intimidating, top-ranked Baylor still won Sunday's N.C.A.A. semifinal matchup, 59-47.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

NICHOLAS THOMPSON: Obama's critique that Romney wants to implement the foreign policy of the 80s and the social policies of the 50s a clever, planned attack.

The New Yorker

It's a cynically clever plan to create a new reality in Syria by turning its civil war into a counter-terrorist operation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or at least pretended it was a fiendishly clever plan.

The Guardian - Sport

Or does he have a fiendishly clever plan that his critics, on the left and the right, are too dim to discern?

The New Yorker

For all the criticism it has shipped for that decision to stage this year's Europa League final in a ground so small it barely makes the list of Europe's 100 largest football stadiums, we can see how Uefa might have arrived at the conclusion that it was a fiendishly clever plan.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a plan, use "a clever plan" to emphasize its ingenuity and effectiveness. It works well when you want to highlight the intelligence behind the strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "a clever plan" repetitively without providing specific details about why the plan is clever. Always elaborate on the plan's features to maintain reader engagement and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever plan" functions as a noun phrase, where "clever" modifies the noun "plan". It serves to describe a specific type of plan, one characterized by intelligence and ingenuity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever plan" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an intelligent and effective strategy. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize the ingenuity behind a plan, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "an ingenious scheme" or "a smart strategy" offer subtle variations, the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to fully convey the plan's clever aspects and avoid redundancy. The phrase’s overall utility and correct usage are well-supported by numerous real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious scheme

Replaces "clever" with "ingenious" and "plan" with "scheme", suggesting a higher level of inventiveness.

a smart strategy

Substitutes "clever" with "smart" and "plan" with "strategy", implying a more calculated and strategic approach.

a brilliant idea

Replaces "plan" with "idea", focusing on the innovative thought behind the action.

a cunning strategy

Emphasizes the deceptiveness of the plan.

a shrewd tactic

Highlights the practical and astute nature of the approach.

an innovative approach

Focuses on the novelty and originality of the method.

a resourceful solution

Highlights the ability to overcome challenges using available resources.

a well-thought-out strategy

Emphasizes the careful consideration and planning involved.

a strategic maneuver

Suggests a calculated and tactical move to achieve a specific goal.

a tactical design

Highlights the careful arrangement of the design.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clever plan" to describe a strategy or idea that is particularly intelligent or effective. For example: "The team devised "a clever plan" to increase sales."

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

Alternatives include "an ingenious scheme", "a smart strategy", or "a brilliant idea", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a clever plan" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the intelligence and effectiveness of a particular strategy or approach. It suggests that the plan is not only effective but also demonstrates ingenuity.

What's the difference between "a clever plan" and "a good plan"?

"A good plan" simply indicates that the plan is effective or beneficial. "A clever plan", on the other hand, highlights the intelligence and ingenuity behind the plan, suggesting it's not just effective but also skillfully designed.