a clever ploy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever ploy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strategy or tactic that is smart or cunning, often with a hint of deception or trickery. Example: "The marketing team's decision to create a viral campaign was a clever ploy to attract more customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's a clever ploy; I entered one of my own.

The New Yorker

In the end, of course, the heroine saves the day through bravery, pluck and a clever ploy.

The New York Times - Books

It's a clever ploy and if the stresses aren't too great - if politics is linear - it can even work.

The Guardian

"Surely the 'Prior man-flu-gate' is just a clever ploy to bolster the middle order batting with Bopara," says Mr Pink.

The Guardian - Sport

All right, try this one on: Might not his attacks on Mr. Lieberman actually be a clever ploy to get a fellow Jew elected?

The New York Times

Raising unreasonable expectations is a clever ploy; as the CQC crisis shows, it's impossible to monitor the treatment of a million patients a day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Or is it as fake as the unicorn horns they wear, a desperate and clever ploy by Shaft to escape his own inner loneliness by starting a cult?

Vice

Or is it as fake as the unicorn horns they wear: a desperate and clever ploy by Shaft to escape his own inner loneliness by starting a hedonistic cult?

Vice

Google Contributor is certainly a clever publicity ploy.

The Guardian - Opinion

And was it, as the cynics muttered, all a clever marketing ploy to juice sales?

The New York Times

The war then is in part smoke and mirrors; a clever marketing ploy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clever ploy" to describe a plan or action that is not only intelligent but also often involves a degree of cunning or trickery. Ensure the context makes it clear whether the ploy is ultimately ethical or beneficial.

Common error

While "a clever ploy" can add color to your writing, avoid overusing it, especially in highly formal or serious contexts where a more neutral term like "strategy" or "tactic" might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound manipulative or less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever ploy" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as a subject complement or direct object. It describes an action or strategy, emphasizing its ingenuity and often suggesting a manipulative aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever ploy" is a commonly used phrase that describes a strategic action characterized by intelligence and often a degree of cunning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in News & Media, with some usages in Science and Wiki. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to avoid any negative connotations, and be aware of alternative phrases such as "an ingenious scheme" or "a shrewd tactic". Use it thoughtfully to add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious scheme

Emphasizes the inventiveness and intelligence behind the plan.

a shrewd tactic

Highlights the practical and astute nature of the approach.

a smart strategy

Focuses on the intelligence and planning involved.

a cunning plan

Suggests a degree of craftiness and deception.

a wily maneuver

Implies skillful and sometimes deceptive handling of a situation.

a strategic move

Highlights the calculated and planned nature of the action.

an artful dodge

Suggests a clever way of avoiding something.

a tactical gambit

Highlights the risky but potentially rewarding nature of the maneuver.

an innovative approach

Focuses on the novelty and originality of the method.

a resourceful solution

Emphasizes the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clever ploy" to describe a strategy or tactic that is smart and cunning. For example, "The politician's sudden change of heart was "a clever ploy" to win over undecided voters."

What's the difference between "a clever ploy" and "a smart strategy"?

"A smart strategy" generally refers to an intelligent plan to achieve a goal. "A clever ploy" implies a level of cunning or deception, often suggesting the strategy is designed to outwit someone or gain an advantage through trickery.

What are some alternatives to "a clever ploy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an ingenious scheme", "a shrewd tactic", or "a cunning plan". These options offer similar meanings but with slightly different connotations.

Is "a clever ploy" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "a clever ploy" often implies some level of deception or manipulation, it can sometimes be used to describe a resourceful or inventive solution to a problem, where the cunning is seen as admirable rather than malicious.