a clever way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever way" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a method or approach that is intelligent or resourceful. Example: "She found a clever way to solve the problem that no one else had considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a clever way to do networking.

Columbia University

He has a clever way with French brioche tins, too.

Independent

And a clever way to stoke our curiosity.

The New York Times

He built Instapaper, a clever way to create personalized publications.

The New York Times

"It's quite a clever way to get what they want.

Independent

Memrise is a clever way to add and strengthen vocabulary.

The Economist

Every week they need a clever way to kill somebody.

The New York Times - Science

It's a clever way to undermine overly reverent fans.

The New York Times - Arts

The fair seemed a clever way to split the stock.

The New York Times - Travel

Then he found a clever way round it.

The Guardian - Books

It's a clever way to wipe the slate clean between choreographic takes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a solution or method, using "a clever way" suggests ingenuity and resourcefulness. Employ it when you want to highlight the intelligence behind the approach.

Common error

While "clever" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound informal or even condescending. Consider alternatives like "ingenious", "astute", or "resourceful" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever way" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a method or approach that is intelligent, resourceful, or inventive. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever way" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights intelligence and resourcefulness in a method or approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and versatile. While suitable for various contexts, be mindful of overusing it in excessively formal writing. Consider alternatives like "ingenious", "astute", or "resourceful" to maintain a professional tone. Its widespread use across news, science, and academic domains underscores its relevance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious method

Replaces "clever" with "ingenious", emphasizing inventiveness and originality.

a brilliant solution

Replaces "way" with "solution" and emphasizes the exceptional intelligence behind resolving a problem.

a smart approach

Substitutes "clever" with "smart", offering a more general term for intelligence and practicality.

an astute method

Replaces "clever" with "astute", focusing on keen insight and understanding.

a resourceful technique

Focuses on the ability to find and use available resources in a creative and effective manner.

an innovative strategy

Highlights the novelty and forward-thinking nature of the method.

a deft maneuver

Highlights skill and adroitness in executing the approach.

a cunning plan

Emphasizes shrewdness and deception in achieving a goal, slightly altering the tone.

a subtle tactic

Emphasizes the understated and delicate nature of the method.

an artful dodge

Focuses on skillfully avoiding an issue or obstacle, introducing a sense of evasion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clever way" to describe an intelligent or resourceful method for achieving something. For example, "She devised "a clever way" to bypass the system's security measures".

What are some alternatives to "a clever way"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an ingenious method", "a smart approach", or "a resourceful technique".

When is it appropriate to use "a clever way"?

"A clever way" is appropriate in most contexts, but it's best suited for situations where you want to emphasize the intelligence and resourcefulness behind a particular method or solution. Avoid overusing it in highly formal writing; consider "a more formal alternative" if necessary.

Is "a clever way" the same as "an intelligent method"?

While similar, "a clever way" often implies a level of ingenuity or resourcefulness beyond simple intelligence. "An intelligent method" might simply be well-reasoned, whereas "a clever way" suggests a smart or inventive solution.