clever attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is intelligent or resourceful, often in a context where the attempt may not have succeeded but is still commendable. Example: "Although the plan ultimately failed, it was a clever attempt to solve a complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

For the Guardian, the manifesto launch "was a clever attempt to sell a false prospectus".

The Guardian

"It was a clever attempt to create a disincentive for people to leave," Mr. Carlinsky said.

The New York Times

To her supporters, it was a clever attempt to broaden the appeal of a traditionally macho party.

The Economist

New notes and coins were the third and final step in a clever attempt to stabilise prices known as the Real Plan.

The Economist

Some have even argued that the film is a fiendishly clever attempt by Middle Eastern oil-producing countries to destroy America's homegrown natural-gas industry.

The Guardian

The lawyer added that "while it may be a clever attempt, it pushes the 'required records' aspects of Fifth Amendment case law to — and most of us think well beyond — its limits".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It is unclear whether the border guards are fooled by clever attempts to disguise the shipments as benign or are paid to turn a blind eye, or both.

The New York Times

One consequence is that Wright's readings of the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, or Koran sometimes degenerate into clever attempts to explain each passage as a response to specific local circumstances.

Huffington Post

Rating the film 2 stars out of 4, Coyle writes that once the film "manages to build some suspense from the trunk of the car the clever attempts to elicit help, the dwindling cell phone battery its deficiencies become less forgivable once the action turns off the road".

Wikipedia

In the cross-fire, federal election regulators are expected to approve Senator Barack Obama's clever but cagey attempt to claim a reformer's mantle: he wants to let the nominees keep bagging unlimited private donations in the run-up to the primaries, then have the choice of returning a chunk of it after the conventions and accepting limited public financing for the general election.

The New York Times

It's an empathic, brave, clever, haunting attempt to use one person's tragic story to grapple with one of the more basic human fears.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a failed strategy, use "clever attempt" to give credit for creativity and planning, even if the desired result wasn't achieved.

Common error

Avoid using "clever attempt" sarcastically or when the attempt is clearly misguided or foolish. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants the description of being clever or inventive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever attempt" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "clever" modifies the noun "attempt". As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes an action or strategy characterized by intelligence and ingenuity. It can highlight strategic thinking even if the action ultimately fails.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clever attempt" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an action or strategy marked by intelligence and resourcefulness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is usable in a wide variety of written English contexts. It's particularly frequent in news and media sources and fits well in both formal and informal settings. While generally carrying a positive connotation, its effectiveness depends on the genuine ingenuity of the attempt and the context in which it is used. Related phrases such as "ingenious endeavor" and "astute effort" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingenious endeavor

Replaces "clever" with "ingenious" and "attempt" with "endeavor", emphasizing inventiveness and purpose.

astute effort

Substitutes "clever" with "astute", highlighting shrewdness and insight in the effort made.

smart move

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression indicating a strategically intelligent action.

shrewd tactic

Focuses on the tactical aspect of the attempt, emphasizing cunning and practicality.

resourceful strategy

Highlights the use of available resources in a creative and effective manner.

cunning ploy

Implies a degree of deception or manipulation in the cleverness of the attempt.

artful scheme

Suggests skill and finesse in the planning and execution of the attempt.

witty approach

Highlights the intelligence and humor involved in the way the attempt is carried out.

deft maneuver

Emphasizes the skillful and agile handling of a situation.

strategic initiative

Focuses on the proactive and planned nature of the clever attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "clever attempt" to describe a strategic or intelligent action taken to achieve a goal, such as: "The new marketing campaign was a "clever attempt" to reach a younger audience."

What can I say instead of "clever attempt"?

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

Is it always positive to describe something as a "clever attempt"?

While "clever attempt" often carries a positive connotation, it can also be used neutrally or even slightly negatively if the attempt, despite its ingenuity, ultimately fails or has unintended consequences. It depends on the context and the speaker's intent.

What distinguishes a "clever attempt" from a "desperate attempt"?

A ""clever attempt"" implies intelligence and strategic thinking, while a "desperate attempt" suggests a last-ditch effort with little regard for planning or consequences. The key difference lies in the forethought and ingenuity involved.