a stroke of ingenuity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stroke of ingenuity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or inventive idea or solution that demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness. Example: "The architect's design for the new building was truly a stroke of ingenuity, combining sustainability with modern aesthetics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Driving ambition and a stroke of ingenuity shot him into the big league, when his edible chocolate boxes won a contract with the supermarket Waitrose.

Independent

In the show is the jigsaw device that Mr. Hecksher cooked up for his woodcut, a stroke of ingenuity that is itself a beautiful object and another example of how Mr. Close exploits gifted collaborators.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Resetting the story in a baronial English country house in 1945 — on the night of a landslide election victory for the Labour Party — was a stroke of ingenuity.

The New York Times

It's a stroke of genius.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a stroke of luck.

The New York Times

What a stroke of luck.

The Guardian - Music

Then a stroke of luck.

BBC

Then came a stroke of luck.

Forbes

Then he had a stroke of luck.

Forbes

I soon had a stroke of luck.

Huffington Post

What a stroke of luck that was.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stroke of ingenuity" to highlight a specific instance where someone's clever thinking led to a notable achievement or solution. It adds emphasis and appreciation for the creative process.

Common error

Avoid using "a stroke of ingenuity" to describe simple improvements or minor adjustments. This phrase is reserved for situations where the idea demonstrates significant creativity and has a considerable impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stroke of ingenuity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a particular instance of cleverness or inventiveness. Ludwig confirms this usage with several examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stroke of ingenuity" is a noun phrase used to describe a notably clever or inventive idea or solution. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appears in a range of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the phrase itself is relatively rare, it carries a strong connotation of creativity and resourcefulness. When using this phrase, focus on situations where the idea genuinely showcases significant creativity and impact. Alternatives like "an ingenious solution" or "a flash of inspiration" can be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious solution

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect and the cleverness of the solution.

a flash of inspiration

Focuses on the sudden and brilliant nature of the idea.

a brilliant idea

Stresses the high quality and exceptional nature of the idea.

a burst of creativity

Emphasizes the creative aspect and the sudden emergence of the idea.

a masterstroke

Implies a high level of skill and success in the action.

a clever idea

Highlights the intelligence and smartness behind the idea.

a novel approach

Highlights the new and original aspect of the idea or method.

an innovative design

Focuses on the innovative and inventive aspect, especially in design contexts.

a smart move

Emphasizes the strategic and intelligent nature of the action.

a fortunate discovery

Highlights the element of luck in finding or realizing the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "a stroke of ingenuity" in a sentence?

Use "a stroke of ingenuity" to describe a particularly clever or inventive solution. For example, "Her solution to the problem was "a stroke of ingenuity" that saved the company a lot of money."

What can I say instead of "a stroke of ingenuity"?

You can use alternatives like "an ingenious solution", "a flash of inspiration", or "a clever idea" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a stroke of ingenuity" in formal writing?

Yes, "a stroke of ingenuity" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the creativity and intelligence behind a particular idea or solution.

What is the difference between "a stroke of ingenuity" and "a stroke of luck"?

"A stroke of ingenuity" implies cleverness and creativity, while "a stroke of luck" implies a fortunate event or chance occurrence. Ingenuity is about skill and planning, whereas luck is about chance.