clever at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever at" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone who is talented or proficient in a particular thing or activity. For example, "John is very clever at coding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"She was so clever at school.

The New Yorker

"Not so clever at biology," Roy said.

The New Yorker

It wasn't fucking clever at all".

The New Yorker

It sounded clever at the time.

The New York Times - Tech

This seemed clever at the time.

The Economist

"No, because I wasn't clever at school.

The Guardian - Arts

He's unbelievably clever at exploiting that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He was extremely clever at it.

The Guardian - Books

Being clever at exams and tests does not mean you will be clever at politics.

The Guardian - Books

Their approach was "very clever" at first, recalls another.

The Economist

He's just so clever at the way he does it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clever at", ensure the context clearly specifies the skill or area of expertise. For example, instead of saying "She's clever", specify "She's clever at problem-solving".

Common error

Avoid using "clever at" without specifying the domain of skill. Saying someone is "clever at things" is less effective than highlighting their specific talent, such as being "clever at negotiating deals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever at" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's skill or aptitude in a specific area. Ludwig AI validates its usage. For instance, "He's just so clever at the way he does it."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clever at" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone's skill or aptitude in a specific area. According to Ludwig AI, it is a valid and effective way to highlight proficiency. The phrase is versatile and suitable for neutral registers, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. Related alternatives include "skilled in" and "adept at", offering similar nuances. When using "clever at", specify the area of expertise to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good at

A more general and common way to express competence.

skilled in

Focuses on general proficiency or expertise.

adept in

Implies a high degree of skill and competence.

proficient in

Highlights competence and mastery of a skill.

talented in

Emphasizes natural ability or gift.

gifted in

Suggests an innate talent or exceptional aptitude.

expert in

Implies recognized expertise and authority.

accomplished in

Suggests a high level of achievement and skill.

masterful at

Emphasizes exceptional skill and control.

ingenious in

Highlights inventiveness and cleverness in skill application.

FAQs

How do you use "clever at" in a sentence?

Use "clever at" to describe someone's skill or talent in a specific area. For instance, "He is "clever at solving puzzles"" indicates his proficiency in puzzle-solving.

What are some alternatives to saying "clever at"?

You can use alternatives such as "skilled in", "adept at", or "good at" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "clever in" instead of "clever at"?

While "clever in" can be used, "clever at" is more common and idiomatic when referring to someone's ability or skill in a particular area. "Clever in" might be more appropriate when describing a quality or characteristic.

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

Both "clever at" and "smart at" are similar, but "clever" often implies ingenuity or inventiveness, while "smart" typically refers to general intelligence or knowledge.