be clever about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be clever about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to approach a situation with intelligence or thoughtfulness. Example: "When negotiating a salary, it's important to be clever about how you present your case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

But be clever about it, not crass".

The Guardian

"But we have to be clever about it".

The New Yorker

Alf Stewart? "I'm not trying to be clever about this!

The Guardian - Film

Therefore, we have to be clever about which species we try to work with.

The New York Times

Be clever about your skill set, what you've achieved, what your value to us is.

The Guardian

You don't have to be clever about it – just grow some hairy ones".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

I took a pass, because I had this thing called hunger gnawing at me, and vowed to be cleverer about my next Pigward journey.

The New York Times - Food

But he's clever about clarity.

The New York Times

The major's wife who has given up being clever about clothes and gone frankly dowdy.

The New Yorker

He'd never been clever about money, but he'd always been able to earn it.

The New Yorker

Davis, however, is clever about revealing that many of Mrs. Orlando's fears are not completely real.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be clever about", ensure the context clearly indicates the area where cleverness is needed. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

In formal academic or professional writing, avoid overusing "be clever about". Opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "exercise sound judgment regarding" or "apply strategic thinking to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be clever about" functions as an advisory phrase, typically used to suggest a mindful and intelligent approach to a particular task or situation. Ludwig identifies its role in encouraging thoughtfulness and resourcefulness in handling various matters.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be clever about" is a commonly used phrase that advises thoughtfulness and intelligence in approaching a task or situation. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, media, and academic contexts. While adaptable to different settings, using more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional or academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, "be clever about" serves as a versatile and practical expression for offering guidance and promoting strategic thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be shrewd about

Replaces "clever" with "shrewd", emphasizing practicality and sharp intelligence.

be astute about

Uses "astute" instead of "clever", highlighting keen judgment and discernment.

be smart about

Substitutes "clever" with "smart", focusing on general intelligence and practical wisdom.

be wise about

Replaces "clever" with "wise", emphasizing good judgment and experience.

be canny about

Uses "canny" instead of "clever", suggesting shrewdness and resourcefulness in practical matters.

be tactical about

Replaces "clever" with "tactical", highlighting a strategic and planned approach.

be strategic about

Uses "strategic" instead of "clever", suggesting a focus on long-term goals and planning.

exercise discretion about

Focuses on being careful and using good judgment, rather than pure cleverness.

be resourceful about

Highlights the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

be judicious about

Emphasizes careful consideration and balanced judgment in decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "be clever about" in a sentence?

You can use "be clever about" to advise someone to approach a situation thoughtfully and intelligently. For example, "You need to "be clever about" how you invest your money to ensure a secure future."

What are some alternatives to "be clever about"?

Some alternatives to "be clever about" include "be smart about", "be astute about", or "be wise about depending on the context".

Is there a difference between "be clever about" and "be smart about"?

While "be clever about" and "be smart about" are similar, "be clever about" often implies a more inventive or resourceful approach, whereas "be smart about" suggests general intelligence and practical wisdom.

When is it appropriate to use "be clever about" in writing?

"Be clever about" is appropriate in various contexts, from casual advice to strategic planning. However, in very formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "apply strategic thinking to" or "exercise sound judgment regarding".