clever men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever men" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe intelligent or resourceful males in various contexts, such as discussions about problem-solving or creativity. Example: "The clever men in the room quickly devised a plan to tackle the unexpected challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Clever men—I outlive them all.

The New Yorker

This seemed perfectly logical to many clever men and women.

The New York Times - Arts

Nor were middle-class, educated, literary, clever men.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I do adore clever men," Marise went on.

The New Yorker

The clever men who run it now have learned from their mistakes.

The Economist

The guardians of the theocratic state are clever men accustomed to sensing the subtleties of power.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

But he is also a clever man, who knows the way the world is going.

The Economist

He was considered a clever man who associated too much with clever men Birkenhead, Beaverbrook, Lloyd George and who despised the necessary humdrum associations and compromises of practical politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Clever man.

Independent

Waldheim is not a clever man.

The New Yorker

"He was a very, very clever man".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group of men known for their intelligence or problem-solving skills, "clever men" is a concise and effective choice. However, consider the context and audience to ensure the level of formality and connotation are appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "clever men" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "intelligent men", "astute men", or "bright men" to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever men" functions as a noun phrase, where "clever" modifies the noun "men". It is used to describe a group of males characterized by their intelligence or ingenuity. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clever men" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe a group of intelligent or resourceful males. According to Ludwig, it is often found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. While perfectly acceptable, consider the specific nuance and formality required for your writing and explore synonyms like "intelligent men" or "smart men" for added variety. Pay attention to the suggestions given to improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligent men

Replaces "clever" with a direct synonym, emphasizing intellectual capacity.

smart men

Uses a more informal synonym for "clever", suitable for casual contexts.

astute men

Highlights the men's perceptiveness and shrewdness in practical matters.

shrewd men

Emphasizes their practical intelligence and ability to get what they want.

bright men

Suggests quickness of mind and intelligence.

resourceful men

Focuses on their ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

ingenious men

Highlights their creativity and inventiveness.

cunning men

Suggests a cleverness that may involve deception or manipulation.

wise men

Focuses on their experience and good judgment.

skilled men

Emphasizes their competence and expertise in a particular area.

FAQs

What does "clever men" mean?

The phrase "clever men" refers to a group of males who are intelligent, resourceful, or skilled in problem-solving. It suggests they possess a notable degree of mental acuity and ingenuity.

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

You can use "clever men" to describe individuals who demonstrate intelligence or ingenuity. For example: "The clever men devised a plan to overcome the obstacle" or "History remembers many clever men for their contributions to science".

What are some alternatives to saying "clever men"?

You can use alternatives like "intelligent men", "smart men", "astute men", or "resourceful men" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

While "clever men" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "intelligent men" or "astute men", which may be perceived as more professional and refined.