a clever tactic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever tactic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a strategy or method that is smart or ingenious in achieving a goal. Example: "The team's decision to use social media influencers was a clever tactic to reach a younger audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

If the claim was merely legal posturing, it turned out to be a clever tactic.

The Economist

It's a clever tactic that should find broad appeal amongst tech experts and new users alike.

Independent

"He plays the innocent, he plays the fool, and that is a clever tactic".

The New York Times - Arts

Others said it was a clever tactic and would upstage Mr. McCall.

The New York Times

As a policy maneuver, the moratorium is a clever tactic pulled off by the anticapital-punishment side.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a clever tactic and one that looks like it'll keep us hooked for a years to come.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Against a backdrop of scathing U.S criticism of China's cyber attacks against America, China decided to hit back at America with an clever tactic: credibly expose American espionage activities that undermine the constitutional rights of American citizens, and thereby get America to tear apart the NSA to the extent the agency's future capabilities will be diminished.

Huffington Post

"It's a very clever tactic, because no one wants to tell someone that they're not eligible to be president when it's their special day," she said.

Huffington Post

He has written a well-researched book that uses the clever tactic of making the moral case for ending marijuana prohibition by burying it inside the economic case.

The New York Times - Books

Gerald Kyd as the writer Trigorin conveys the man's weakness, but misses the point that his self-deprecation in front of Nina is a clever seduction tactic.

The Guardian

One man (say, Nixon) might see a clever campaign tactic, while someone else (say, an opponent) might see a "dirty trick," while someone else still (say, a Watergate prosecutor) might see criminality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clever tactic" when you want to describe a method or approach that is smart, resourceful, and designed to achieve a specific objective effectively. It suggests a level of ingenuity and strategic thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "a clever tactic" excessively, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "an ingenious strategy" or "a smart move" to maintain the reader's interest and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever tactic" functions as a noun phrase, where "clever" modifies the noun "tactic". It describes a particular approach or method that is considered intelligent or resourceful. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever tactic" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a smart or resourceful method used to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and has a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. While not exceedingly common, it's a reliable phrase to use when you want to emphasize the ingenuity or strategic thinking behind a particular action. Remember to use it judiciously and consider synonyms to avoid redundancy. The related phrases can provide similar meaning but vary in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart move

Replaces tactic with move, suggesting a more general action or decision that is considered intelligent and advantageous.

an ingenious strategy

Substitutes clever with ingenious and tactic with strategy, emphasizing inventiveness and planning.

a shrewd maneuver

Replaces clever with shrewd and tactic with maneuver, highlighting astuteness and skillful execution.

a cunning ploy

Substitutes clever with cunning and tactic with ploy, implying a slightly deceptive or manipulative approach.

a strategic action

Replaces clever with strategic and tactic with action, emphasizing a planned and deliberate approach towards a goal.

a brilliant scheme

Substitutes clever with brilliant and tactic with scheme, suggesting a plan that is exceptionally intelligent and effective.

a deft approach

Replaces clever with deft and tactic with approach, highlighting skill and precision in handling a situation.

an artful dodge

Replaces clever with artful and tactic with dodge, implying a skillful way of avoiding something difficult or unpleasant.

a tactical advantage

This phrase focuses on the benefit gained through a specific action, rather than the action itself.

a subtle intervention

Replaces clever with subtle and tactic with intervention, suggesting a discreet and indirect method of influencing a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clever tactic" to describe a smart or resourceful method used to achieve a goal. For example: "The company's use of social media influencers was "a clever tactic" to reach a younger audience."

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

Alternatives to "a clever tactic" include "an ingenious strategy", "a smart move", or "a shrewd maneuver", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a clever tactic" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it is a relatively neutral and widely understood phrase. However, consider the specific context and audience when choosing your words.

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

"A clever tactic" generally refers to a smart or resourceful method, while "a cunning plan" implies a more deceptive or manipulative approach. The choice depends on the ethical implications of the strategy being described.