clever of me

USAGE SUMMARY

"clever of me" is a grammatically correct phrase that is usable in written English.
It is commonly used to express cleverness or intelligence on the part of the speaker. Example: "It was clever of me to remember the combination to the safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Very clever of me, I say".

The New York Times - Books

That was clever of me wasn't it?

The Guardian - Film

Clever of me to become a critic.

The Guardian - Books

"I see now that it was clever of me," Ms. Weis said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think Dylan is an astonishingly generous artist who is condescended to when people say it's very clever of me to find all these things in his work".

The Guardian - Books

Clever of me, yes.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

So, in a way it was a fun and clever way of me writing a nostalgic track about home, but giving it that name so that people would always wonder, "Who is Olivia?" Oh, man, it was unlike any feeling I've ever had.

Vice

But a woman whom I knew read a paper on a novel that I sometimes think of as the runt of my litter -- The Folk of the Air -- and she commented on how clever it was of me to name a Greek woman Athanasia Sioris.

Huffington Post

"It was very clever of him, because first of all, it helped me get to know the liturgy really well.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't know if they frightened Brent Council, but they scared the hell out of me – articulate, clever, determined, impassioned, connected, efficient.

Independent

For the longest time, I couldn't figure out if this was an example of me being clever or me being a cheap jerkface.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clever of me" when you want to acknowledge your own intelligence or skill in a slightly self-aware or playful way. It's suitable when you've found a smart solution or made a particularly astute observation.

Common error

Avoid using "clever of me" too frequently, as it can come across as arrogant or self-congratulatory. Use it sparingly for moments where your cleverness is genuinely notable or humorous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever of me" functions as a self-congratulatory remark or a lighthearted acknowledgment of one's own ingenuity. It is used to express satisfaction with a smart decision or action. As per Ludwig AI, it’s a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clever of me" is a phrase used to express self-acknowledgment of one's own cleverness or ingenuity. It is considered grammatically correct by Ludwig AI and is most commonly found in News & Media. While the phrase is suitable for informal contexts, overuse can lead to sounding arrogant. Alternatives such as "smart of me", "wise of me" or "ingenious of me" can provide a nuanced variation. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly boastful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smart of me

Replaces "clever" with "smart", a direct synonym implying intelligence and good judgment.

wise of me

Substitutes "clever" with "wise", suggesting a deeper level of understanding and foresight.

astute of me

Replaces "clever" with "astute", indicating keen perception and shrewdness.

ingenious of me

Substitutes "clever" with "ingenious", highlighting inventiveness and resourcefulness.

shrewd of me

Replaces "clever" with "shrewd", emphasizing practical intelligence and cunning.

it was canny of me

Uses "canny" instead of "clever", implying shrewdness and skill in one's actions.

it was insightful of me

Replaces "clever" with "insightful", which underscores the depth of understanding behind the action.

resourceful of me

Emphasizes the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, showcasing problem-solving skills.

it was bright of me

Uses "bright" instead of "clever", suggesting quick-wittedness and intelligence.

how brilliant of me

Substitutes "clever" with "brilliant", implying exceptional talent or intelligence.

FAQs

What does "clever of me" mean?

The phrase "clever of me" is used to express that the speaker recognizes and acknowledges their own intelligence or ingenuity in a particular situation or action. It is a way of saying "I was clever to do that".

Is "clever of me" formal or informal?

The phrase "clever of me" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or writing. It might not be appropriate in very formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to saying "clever of me"?

Alternatives include phrases like "smart of me", "wise of me", or "ingenious of me". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "clever of me" in a sentence?

You can use "clever of me" to comment on a past action. For example: "It was quite "clever of me" to remember to bring an umbrella today, considering the sudden downpour."