being clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being clever" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is demonstrating intelligence or quick thinking. Example: "She was praised for being clever in solving the complex problem." Alternative expressions include "being smart," "being witty," and "being intelligent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or distributors being clever?

Independent

"It's about being clever.

The New York Times

"She wins by being clever," Minchin says.

The New Yorker

Don't you get tired being clever?

The New Yorker

"[Hizbullah] is being clever," Mr Nasrallah says.

The Economist

But, she says, "economists love being clever".

The New York Times

"She's being clever," she told her staff.

The New Yorker

She was never ashamed of being clever.

The Guardian - Books

I thought he was being clever.

The New York Times

Being clever was simply not feminine.

The Guardian - Opinion

But what is wrong with being clever?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being clever" to describe a state of intelligence or ingenuity, particularly when highlighting how someone's actions or decisions reflect their mental acuity. For example, "The company succeeded by being clever with its marketing strategies."

Common error

Avoid using "being clever" when simpler terms like "being smart" or "being intelligent" suffice. "Being clever" often implies a degree of ingenuity or problem-solving that might not always be present. For example, prefer saying "He is intelligent" over "He is being clever" if you simply mean he has a high IQ.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being clever" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. This allows it to serve as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

17%

Reference

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being clever" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that describes a state of intelligence or ingenuity. Ludwig AI's analysis, drawn from a wide range of sources, indicates that it appears most commonly in News & Media and general-knowledge contexts. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. While alternatives like "being smart" or "being ingenious" may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the specific context, "being clever" remains a versatile and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibiting intelligence

Focuses on the demonstration of intellectual capacity, shifting from a state of being to an active display.

demonstrating ingenuity

Highlights the creative and inventive aspect of cleverness, emphasizing problem-solving skills.

displaying sharpness

Emphasizes quickness of mind and keen perception, suggesting a more acute form of intelligence.

showing astuteness

Indicates a practical intelligence and shrewdness, particularly in assessing situations and making decisions.

acting shrewdly

Focuses on the behavior and strategic actions taken, highlighting a practical application of cleverness.

utilizing wit

Emphasizes the use of humor and intelligence in communication, adding a social element to cleverness.

applying intellect

Highlights the deliberate and purposeful use of one's mental faculties.

exercising cunning

Implies a degree of craftiness and strategic manipulation, moving towards a more subtle form of cleverness.

thinking strategically

Emphasizes long-term planning and tactical thinking, broadening the scope of cleverness beyond immediate situations.

possessing insight

Highlights a deep understanding and intuitive grasp of complex situations, focusing on understanding rather than action.

FAQs

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

"Being clever" can be used to describe a state of intelligence or ingenuity in a particular situation. For example, "The team succeeded by "being clever" with their resource allocation."

What can I say instead of "being clever"?

You can use alternatives like "being smart", "being ingenious", or "being astute" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "being clever" or "being intelligent"?

Both ""being clever"" and "being intelligent" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Being clever" often implies ingenuity and quick-wittedness, while "being intelligent" suggests a broader capacity for understanding and learning.

What's the difference between "being clever" and "being cunning"?

"Being clever" generally refers to intelligence and quick thinking, while "being cunning" implies a degree of craftiness and manipulation. Cunning suggests using intelligence to deceive or outsmart others, whereas cleverness is more neutral.