clever action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smart or resourceful deed or behavior in various contexts, such as problem-solving or strategic thinking. Example: "Her clever action in negotiating the deal saved the company a significant amount of money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Toynbee said this showed that "quick and clever" action targeted against the "right popular issue" works.

The Guardian

In 2011, Occupy Melbourne activists highlighted the ridiculous nature of camping bylaws with a clever action involving tent monsters.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the most audacious American movies of 2009, Jared Hess's "Gentlemen Broncos" (on DVD from Fox) — a loopy comedy that blends frumpy down-market vulgarity with excremental humor and cartoonish, yet astonishingly simple and clever, action sequences — is hardly the type to attract Oscar consideration.

The New Yorker

One of the most audacious American movies of 2009, Jared Hess's "Gentlemen Broncos" (on DVD from Fox)—a loopy comedy that blends frumpy down-market vulgarity with excremental humor and cartoonish, yet astonishingly simple and clever, action sequences is hardly the type to attract Oscar consideration.

The New Yorker

It built to a clever action finale that was amusingly over the top and set to the music of the William Tell Overture in a very satisfying way.

Huffington Post

Mark Wahlberg plays a retired smuggler who gets sucked back in the game in "Contraband," a clever action flick that delivers the goods and a few surprises.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The novel's cleverest action maneuver involves the use of an S.U.V.'s global positioning system to retrace someone else's travels along this same investigative path.

The New York Times - Books

One clever piggybacking action on her behalf, covered by Los Angeles Times' David Ng, is the joke circulating on Twitter: "a fake playbill notice for the Broadway musical 'If/Then' states that its star, Idina Menzel, will be replaced by her alter-ego, Adele Dazeem".

Huffington Post

One clever piggybacking action on her behalf, covered by Los Angeles Times' David Ng, is the joke circulating on Twitter: "a fake playbill notice for the Broadway musical 'If/Then' states that its star, Idina Menzel, will be replaced by her alter-ego, Adele Dazeem". Sure, famous, well-liked celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres can get usually others engaged in something they do.

HuffPost

But there's a clever addition – the action takes place on three planes which Max can leap between using special launch pads.

The Guardian - Tech

Despite the elaborate and often clever gag-like action stunts (or C.G.I. contrivances) and the occasionally grotesque violence, the movie seems not to be there at all, replaced throughout by the idea of the movie.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clever action" when you want to emphasize the intelligence and resourcefulness behind a particular deed, especially in problem-solving contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "clever action" in extremely formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "strategic approach" or "innovative method" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever action" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "clever" modifies the noun "action". It describes a deed or behavior characterized by intelligence and ingenuity. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Books

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clever action" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a smart and resourceful deed or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides diverse examples of its use. While not overly common, the phrase finds its place in news, tech, and literary contexts. It strikes a neutral tone, making it suitable for various writing styles. When aiming for formal or academic precision, consider alternatives like "strategic approach". To further enhance your writing, bear in mind that “clever action” implies ingenuity and quick-wittedness, making it ideal for describing situations where inventive solutions are at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smart move

Replaces "clever action" with a more concise and informal term, focusing on the intelligence behind a decision.

ingenious act

Substitutes "clever" with "ingenious", implying a higher level of creativity and inventiveness.

astute decision

Emphasizes the sharpness and perceptiveness of the decision made, rather than the action itself.

resourceful measure

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

shrewd maneuver

Focuses on the cunning and strategic aspect of the action taken.

cunning plan

This implies a cleverness with some degree of deceit or trickery to it.

strategic play

Shifts the focus to a long-term strategy involving intelligent moves.

adept technique

Focuses on the skill and proficiency demonstrated in performing the action.

inspired solution

Implies a flash of brilliance leading to a smart and effective course of action.

brilliant initiative

Suggests a high level of intelligence and originality behind starting something.

FAQs

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

You can use "clever action" to describe a smart or resourceful deed, for example: "Her clever action in negotiating the deal saved the company a significant amount of money."

What are some alternatives to "clever action"?

You can use alternatives like "smart move", "ingenious act", or "astute decision" depending on the context.

Is "clever action" appropriate for formal writing?

While "clever action" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "strategic approach" or "innovative method" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "clever action" and "smart action"?

"Clever action" implies a degree of ingenuity and quick-wittedness, while "smart action" simply suggests intelligence and good judgment. Therefore, "clever action" is more appropriate when the action involves a creative or inventive solution.