a clever solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a solution that is smart, innovative, or resourceful in addressing a problem. Example: "After hours of brainstorming, we finally came up with a clever solution to reduce costs without sacrificing quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a clever solution.

The New York Times - Magazine

But sometimes what seems like a clever solution might backfire.

The New York Times

It's a clever solution, achieving an uncompromised reduction of variability.

Harvard Business Review

Many had given up, but McIntyre and Chidsey have devised a clever solution.

Stanford University

When we talked, I told Naughton it was a clever solution.

The Washington Post

"Owen," about a boy who refuses to give up his favorite blanket, demonstrates a clever solution.

The New York Times

A clever solution may have been found by the Cambridge New Town Corporation.

The Economist

Yet Mr Cheng and his fellow directors may have found a clever solution.

The Economist

Instead, the book suffers from an excess of convenience — for every problem, a clever solution.

The New York Times - Books

The booking site GetGoing has a clever solution for flexible travelers called "Pick Two, Get One".

The New York Times

Robots might offer a clever solution to some of these challenges.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a clever solution" when you want to highlight the ingenuity or intelligence behind a particular approach to solving a problem. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "a clever solution" is widely understood, overuse in academic or business writing can sound less professional. Instead, use stronger alternatives like "innovative approach" or "strategic resolution" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever solution" functions as a noun phrase, with "clever" modifying the noun "solution". As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely understood and used across various contexts. Examples showcase its role in describing resourceful or intelligent approaches to problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever solution" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an intelligent or resourceful approach to solving a problem. Ludwig AI analysis, as well as the numerous examples available, show it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for most situations, consider more formal alternatives like "innovative strategy" or "ingenious method" in academic or business writing to convey greater sophistication. Remember to highlight the ingenuity and effectiveness when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart solution

Replaces "clever" with "smart", indicating intelligence and practicality.

an ingenious solution

Emphasizes inventiveness and originality in the solution.

a brilliant solution

Highlights the exceptional quality and effectiveness of the solution.

a creative solution

Focuses on the innovative and imaginative aspects of the solution.

a resourceful solution

Stresses the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

a neat solution

Suggests the solution is simple, elegant, and efficient.

a shrewd solution

Indicates the solution involves keen awareness and judgment.

a cunning solution

Implies the solution is achieved through deception or craftiness (can have a slightly negative connotation).

a sophisticated solution

Suggests a complex and advanced approach to solving the problem.

a tactical solution

Implies the solution is a strategic move to achieve a specific goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clever solution" to describe an intelligent or resourceful approach to a problem. For example, "The engineer devised "a clever solution" to the traffic congestion issue."

What are some alternatives to "a clever solution"?

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

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

Yes, "a clever solution" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "innovative approach" or "strategic resolution" for added impact. It depends on the overall tone and target audience of the document.

What is the difference between "a clever solution" and "a smart solution"?

While both phrases are similar, "a clever solution" often implies ingenuity and quick thinking, whereas "a smart solution" emphasizes practicality and effectiveness. The choice depends on the specific context and the qualities you want to highlight.