a clever strategy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever strategy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a plan or approach that is intelligent and effective in achieving a goal. Example: "The team implemented a clever strategy to increase their market share, which resulted in significant growth over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was a clever strategy.

The Guardian

Not being formally in government is a clever strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

I thought this was a clever strategy and couldn't believe nobody ever showed up.

The New York Times

It's a clever strategy and sometimes a nice sleight of hand.

The New York Times

It's a clever strategy, one used by other artists to document questionable events.

The New York Times

Mistake 2: Avoiding negotiation is a clever strategy I know, let's just skip that negotiation part!

The Guardian

Nevertheless, to avoid the taint, InsiderPages hit on a clever strategy.

The New York Times

The explanation, the authors write, is that "distraction is a clever strategy in information control".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The Chinese are pursuing a pretty clever strategy and the rest of us haven't figured out a good response," says Admiral Dennis Blair, former head of America's forces in the Pacific and now chairman of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA.

The Economist

This is a very clever strategy, but it is not fooling anyone here.

The New York Times - Sports

But as the increasingly violent weeks of occupation dragged on, people began wondering whether Mr. Hussein was pursuing a new, clever strategy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing business solutions, reinforce your point by using "a clever strategy" to show innovative approaches.

Common error

Avoid using "a clever strategy" repeatedly in formal reports. Vary your language with synonyms such as "an ingenious plan" or "a strategic maneuver" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever strategy" functions as a noun phrase that describes a plan or method. It acts as the object of a verb or follows a preposition, indicating the approach taken to achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is both grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clever strategy" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes an intelligent and effective plan. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirming its widespread use. While versatile, it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. Remember to use it strategically, considering synonyms like "an ingenious plan" or "a smart tactic" for variety, especially in formal writing. Employ this phrase thoughtfully to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious plan

Focuses on the inventiveness and originality of the plan.

a smart tactic

Emphasizes the practicality and effectiveness of a specific action.

a brilliant method

Highlights the exceptional intelligence behind the approach.

a strategic maneuver

Highlights the calculated and tactical nature of the action.

a shrewd approach

Suggests a canny and astute way of proceeding.

an astute move

Emphasizes the perceptiveness and wisdom of the action.

a well-devised scheme

Highlights that the plan was carefully created or constructed.

an artful dodge

Implies a skillful way of avoiding something.

a tactical workaround

Emphasizes a practical solution to overcome an obstacle.

a cunning ploy

Suggests a clever but potentially deceptive tactic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clever strategy" to describe an effective or innovative approach, for example, "The company employed "a clever strategy" to boost sales."

What are some alternatives to "a clever strategy"?

Some alternatives include "an ingenious plan", "a smart tactic", or "a strategic maneuver", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a clever strategy" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but it's important to ensure the tone and language remain appropriate for the specific audience and purpose. Vary your phrasing to avoid repetition.

What distinguishes "a clever strategy" from "a smart strategy"?

While both phrases imply intelligence, "a clever strategy" often suggests ingenuity and inventiveness, whereas "a smart strategy" simply indicates effectiveness and practicality.