clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express admiration for someone's intelligence, wit, or resourcefulness. For example, "My little sister is so clever - she already knows how to read!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quotations from his books slipped into our daily speech whenever we wanted to appear clever: "Those were days when men were men"; "When a handshake goes beyond the elbow, then it has become something else".

The Guardian - Books

Blaszczykowski is played into the area by a clever prod from Murawski.

The Guardian - Sport

But my book of the year is Jonathan Buckley's breathtakingly clever novel, Nostalgia (Sort of Books).

The Guardian - Books

The German World Cup shirt may be deemed a clever marketing move, playing as it does in colour and form with the insignia of the most popular Brazilian club, Flamengo.

The Guardian - Sport

If the late withdrawals of vice-captain Tom Rockliff (virus) and clever forward Dayne Zorko (personal reasons) were not enough bad omens for Brisbane, it became crystal clear it wasn't going to be their night when the ball struck Darcy Gardiner flush in the temple in the second minute following an errant kick from team-mate Pearce Hanley.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm comfortable with that: I know I'm clever.

The Guardian - Books

Terrorists who are clever put white cloths behind them but in this one you can see the location of the children in Sambisa forest".

The Guardian

He's clever, articulate and says America has lost faith in its political system.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is clever, as it makes Huntsman look important and the subject of much attention which – to be frank – has not been remotely true.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And whoever spotted that 'Martianism' is an anagram of Martin Amis was very clever, but it is completely irrelevant.

The Guardian

While it is true that Ukip's share of the vote fell, it had, through clever targeting, made big strides into local government at the expense of the three main parties.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clever" to describe someone who is quick-witted and resourceful in finding solutions or creating ideas. Ensure the context aligns with a positive or neutral connotation, as "clever" can sometimes imply cunning.

Common error

Avoid using "clever" excessively in academic or professional contexts where a more formal or precise term like "intelligent", "astute", or "ingenious" might be more appropriate. Overuse can sound informal or diminish the seriousness of the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "clever" functions primarily as an attributive adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of intelligence, resourcefulness, or wit. Ludwig provides examples where "clever" describes actions, people, and marketing strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "clever" is a versatile term used to describe intelligence, resourcefulness, and wit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, indicating its general acceptance. While "clever" is suitable for many situations, more formal alternatives like "intelligent", "astute", or "ingenious" may be preferable in academic writing. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligent

Focuses on general mental capacity and reasoning ability, differing from "clever" which can also imply resourcefulness.

smart

A more general term for intelligence, often used interchangeably with "clever" but lacks the nuance of ingenuity.

ingenious

Highlights inventiveness and originality, a specific aspect of "cleverness".

resourceful

Emphasizes the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

shrewd

Implies practical intelligence and astuteness, often in business or political contexts.

astute

Indicates keen perception and discernment, similar to "shrewd" but with a more intellectual connotation.

adroit

Focuses on skill and dexterity, differing from "clever" which emphasizes mental agility.

cunning

Suggests a manipulative and deceitful form of cleverness.

witty

Highlights the ability to use humor intelligently, a specific type of "cleverness".

sharp-witted

Implies quick and insightful intelligence, more specific than a generally "clever" disposition.

FAQs

How can I use "clever" in a sentence?

You can use "clever" to describe someone or something that demonstrates intelligence, wit, or ingenuity. For example, "She came up with a "clever solution" to the problem" or "He is a "clever student" who always excels in his studies".

What are some alternatives to the word "clever"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "intelligent", "smart", "ingenious", "resourceful", or "witty".

Is it appropriate to use "clever" in formal writing?

While "clever" is a perfectly valid word, in very formal contexts, more precise terms like "astute" or "ingenious" might be preferable to convey specific nuances of intelligence or skill.

What is the difference between "clever" and "cunning"?

"Clever" generally implies intelligence and quick-wittedness, while "cunning" suggests a more manipulative and deceitful approach to achieving a goal. "Clever" is typically positive or neutral, whereas "cunning" often carries a negative connotation.