clever decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a choice or judgment that demonstrates intelligence or insight. Example: "Choosing to invest in renewable energy was a clever decision that will benefit the company in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But that does not make it a clever decision.

The Economist

As Derek Jeter saw Kevin Youkilis flying toward him with a takeout slide Saturday, he made a clever decision.

The New York Times - Sports

In the late thirties, Nielsen Company made a clever decision: it installed a monitoring box in 1,000 American homes.

The Guardian - Tech

"We have a lot of games every week and I think it is a clever decision [to rotate the squad]." That rotation saw Di Matteo make six alterations for Tuesday's Champions League match at the Estadio da Luz.

Independent

Today, however, Mr. Lithgow and Mr. Quigley have clued it as the clever "Decision to go with drapes instead of blinds?" Similarly, 33D's STAGE LEFT is the answer to "Why one missed the coach?" Now you find the other two theme entries.

The New York Times

I was momentarily transported back to "A Beautiful Mind," and what a clever decision it had been to show the interactions of the mathematician-hero John Nash Russell Crowee) with a government agent (Ed Harris) and his enlistment in a top-secret project.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

At the World Cup you have to deal with a lot of different referees and interpretations so it is critical for England that they show the same clever decision-making in the next match.

The Guardian - Sport

Brühl is quickly amassing a filmography of clever decisions.

The Guardian - Film

But there is a darker inspiration at work here as well, and one of Bardugo's clever decisions is to name the Darkling's personal guard after Ivan the Terrible's notorious black-clad "oprichniki," the precursors of the K.G.B.

The New York Times - Books

The iPod wasn't just a good idea, it was a long series of clever decisions that Apple made in the design of the device, software, store, and ecosystem.

The Guardian - Tech

Nonetheless, hindsight illuminates a number of clever decisions that didn't necessarily look so obvious at the time; none more so than pairing Run DMC with Aerosmith on the cover of Walk This Way, the video which finally took hip-hop on to the notoriously rap-phobic MTV.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clever decision" when you want to highlight the intelligence or ingenuity behind a specific choice or action. For instance, "Implementing a new marketing strategy that leverages social media trends was a "clever decision" that significantly increased brand awareness."

Common error

While "clever decision" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can sound slightly informal. Opt for alternatives like "astute judgment" or "strategic choice" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. The adjective "clever" enhances the noun "decision", indicating that the decision was made with intelligence and ingenuity. Examples from Ludwig show it being used to describe strategic and insightful choices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clever decision" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an intelligent or ingenious choice. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly usable in written English. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in certain academic or professional settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific sources, showcasing its broad applicability. For related expressions, consider "smart choice", "wise decision", or "astute choice" to add variety to your writing. Remember to highlight the ingenuity behind the choice when using the phrase "clever decision".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smart choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice", emphasizing the act of selecting wisely.

smart move

Replaces "decision" with "move", emphasizing the action taken.

intelligent choice

Substitutes "clever" with "intelligent", focusing on the rational and analytical aspect of the decision.

wise decision

Substitutes "clever" with "wise", focusing on the prudence and foresight of the decision.

astute choice

Similar to "smart choice" but highlights keen awareness and shrewdness.

shrewd judgment

Replaces both "clever" and "decision" to focus on insightful evaluation.

ingenious plan

Shifts focus from a single decision to a broader strategic approach.

brilliant move

Emphasizes the exceptional success and innovation of the action.

savvy move

Emphasizes practicality and understanding of the situation.

cunning strategy

Implies a clever, and potentially deceptive, approach to achieving a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "clever decision" to describe a choice that demonstrates intelligence or insight. For example, "Investing in renewable energy was a "clever decision" that benefited the company in the long run."

What are some alternatives to "clever decision"?

Alternatives include "smart choice", "wise decision", or "astute choice", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "clever decision" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "strategic choice" or "judicious selection" in academic or professional contexts for a more sophisticated tone.

What makes a decision "clever"?

A "clever decision" typically involves thinking outside the box, identifying opportunities others might miss, or finding an efficient solution to a complex problem. It implies a level of ingenuity and insight.