an ingenious solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ingenious solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a clever or inventive answer to a problem. Example: "After hours of brainstorming, the team finally came up with an ingenious solution to the technical issue that had been plaguing the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brazil found an ingenious solution.

The Economist

Camras had an ingenious solution.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's really an ingenious solution".

The New York Times - Travel

They found an ingenious solution: a virus.

The Guardian

Statoil engineers eventually came up with an ingenious solution.

The New York Times

"But Lincoln hit upon an ingenious solution," McPherson writes.

The New York Times - Books

It was an ingenious solution to a tricky problem.

The Guardian

So ABC in Australia devised an ingenious solution.

The Guardian - Sport

So it came up with an ingenious solution.

The Guardian

The celebrity ambassador seems, from a distance, to be an ingenious solution to that problem.

The Guardian

Albury says: "It's an ingenious solution and it worked for regional programming".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While generally appropriate, "an ingenious solution" can sometimes sound slightly formal. In very informal settings, a simpler phrase like "a smart fix" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "an ingenious solution" for simple or obvious fixes. Reserve it for situations where the solution truly demonstrates inventiveness and clever thinking. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an ingenious solution" is that of a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ingenious solution" is a noun phrase used to describe a particularly clever and inventive method for solving a problem. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, its formal tone might not always be suitable for very informal settings. The best practice is to use it when you genuinely want to highlight the inventiveness behind a solution, differentiating it from simpler alternatives like "a clever approach".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brilliant idea

Focuses more on the idea itself being exceptional rather than the solving aspect.

a clever approach

Highlights the method used to address the problem, emphasizing its smartness.

an innovative resolution

Emphasizes the novelty and advancement of the solving approach.

a smart fix

Implies a quick and effective resolution, suitable for informal contexts.

an inventive strategy

Focuses on a planned series of actions designed to achieve a specific result in a novel way.

a creative workaround

Suggests a solution that bypasses a problem through innovative means.

a groundbreaking technique

Implies a solution that is not only clever but also introduces a new and significant advancement.

a resourceful method

Highlights the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

an inspired answer

Suggests that the solution came from a moment of insight or creative impulse.

a masterful stroke

Highlights the skill and expertise involved in creating the solution.

FAQs

How can I use "an ingenious solution" in a sentence?

You can use "an ingenious solution" to describe a clever or inventive way to solve a problem. For example, "The engineers devised "an ingenious solution" to the complex problem of energy conservation".

What are some alternatives to "an ingenious solution"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a brilliant idea", "a clever approach", or "a smart fix".

When is it appropriate to use "an ingenious solution" in writing?

"An ingenious solution" is best used when describing a solution that is not only effective but also demonstrates creativity and cleverness. It is suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts.

Is "an ingenious solution" different from "a clever solution"?

While both phrases describe effective solutions, "an ingenious solution" implies a higher level of inventiveness and originality compared to "a clever solution". "Ingenious" suggests a more remarkable and innovative approach.