become clever at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become clever at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of gaining skill or knowledge in a particular area or subject. Example: "With practice and dedication, you can become clever at solving complex mathematical problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Try locating a company that bases its designs on styles of that era or become clever at recreation through sewing, pinning and cutting.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Manufacturers must become cleverer at creating high-value, multimedia properties.

The Economist

"The problems never went away," he writes, "but I became cleverer at solving them".

The New Yorker

"Having realized it, can we become clever enough at a big enough scale to be able to maintain the rates of progress?

The New York Times - Science

While I appreciate the styling and the pairing of a young model with established designers, at what point during the editorial meeting did it become clever, brilliant -- or at the very least, okay -- to incorporate folks from Sesame Street into the mix?

Huffington Post

Yet the irony is that bots only become clever because humans are getting cleverer at inputting new algorithms.

Independent

Now the girls have become clever and bold due to the knowledge and the information they received at Jamkhed.

BMC Public Health

When people become clever, that means it will be more difficult to govern them".

The New York Times

The edge the interface with users and devices also has to become clever.

The Economist

Unless we become clever".

Vice

Hawking said that eventually humans might become cleverer than their creators.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become clever at" to emphasize the process of developing ingenuity in a specific skill or area. For instance, "To succeed in negotiations, you must "become clever at" understanding the other party's needs."

Common error

Avoid using "become clever at" as a generic compliment. Instead, specify the area where the cleverness is being developed or applied. For example, instead of saying "He "became clever at" everything," specify, "He "became clever at" problem-solving."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become clever at" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring or developing skill, ingenuity, or intelligence in a specific area or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become clever at" describes the process of developing ingenuity in a specific area. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "get skilled at" or "develop expertise in" exist, "become clever at" emphasizes the ingenuity component. It is important to use it to specify the area of skill development, avoiding general compliments. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively use "become clever at" to convey the development of strategic and intelligent capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get skilled at

Highlights the process of acquiring practical abilities.

become adept in

Indicates becoming highly skilled or proficient, often through training or experience.

become proficient in

Emphasizes achieving a high level of competence in a particular skill or subject.

sharpen one's skills in

Focuses on improving existing abilities through practice and refinement.

develop expertise in

Focuses on gaining specialized knowledge or skill in a specific area.

hone one's abilities in

Similar to sharpening, but suggests a more precise and deliberate refinement of skills.

gain mastery of

Suggests achieving a comprehensive understanding and control over something.

excel in

Highlights exceptional performance and achievement in a particular field.

cultivate a knack for

Implies developing a natural talent or aptitude through effort.

get the hang of

Suggests learning how to do something, often through trial and error.

FAQs

How can I use "become clever at" in a sentence?

Use "become clever at" to describe the process of developing skill or ingenuity in a specific area. For example, "With practice, you can "become clever at" spotting inconsistencies in financial reports".

What's a good alternative to "become clever at"?

Alternatives include "get skilled at", "become proficient in", or "develop expertise in", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "become clever in" or "become clever at"?

"Become clever at" is generally preferred when referring to a specific skill or activity, while "become clever in" is less common. However, both are grammatically acceptable depending on the intended meaning. "Become clever at" implies practical application, whereas "become clever in" can also refer to a general area of expertise.

How does "become clever at" differ from "become good at"?

"Become good at" implies general competence, while "become clever at" suggests ingenuity and strategic thinking in addition to skill. Therefore, "become clever at" is more appropriate when emphasizing innovative or resourceful application of skills.