clever of you

USAGE SUMMARY

"clever of you" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express admiration or appreciation for someone who has done something particularly creative or ingenious. For example, "That was a really clever solution to the problem – clever of you to think of it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

How clever of you.

The Guardian

"It was clever of you to get the new film and set up the screen and everything".

The New Yorker

When the British novelist Evelyn Waugh remarked that the book seemed to have been written by two people, Jessica Mitford's sister Nancy wrote back saying: "Clever of you to see the two voices.

The New York Times

Yes, I see how you turned all your strawberries upside down so they look like pyramids, how clever of you.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It can be torn by hand, but is strong, and just one of a series of clever designs you'll be tempted to buy.

Independent

In all, with a bit of clever shopping, you could pay a minimum of $150 over retail for the $349 32GB console.

TechCrunch

The capless fuel filler is a bit of clever engineering that you appreciate each time you visit the pump.

The New York Times

He said: "The choice of Ulverston is very clever, when you think of the potential for attracting graduates from places like Manchester.

BBC

This simple dynamic provides the basis for a series of fiendishly clever puzzles you find yourself working through – all of it tied into a humorous narrative that unfolds with more confidence, charm and sophistication than was strictly necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pick out some of the biggest traits of the clever people you know or observe and incorporate them into your own work and life.

WikiHow

"You have to keep hiring lots of clever people and you have to avoid atrophy over time".Most regulators are doing all they can to mitigate these risks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clever of you" when you want to acknowledge someone's ingenuity or intelligence in a particular situation. It's often used as a lighthearted compliment.

Common error

Avoid using "clever of you" sarcastically unless the tone is very clear. Without proper vocal inflection, it can be mistaken for a genuine compliment. Sarcasm is easily missed in written form, so choose another expression if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever of you" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression of praise or acknowledgment. It attributes ingenuity or intelligence to the person being addressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct phrase and it is often used to express admiration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clever of you" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves as an expression of praise and acknowledgement of someone's intelligence or ingenuity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common use. While the phrase is straightforward, consider the context and audience to ensure the level of formality aligns with the situation. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. Alternative phrases such as "bright of you" or "smart of you" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bright of you

Replaces "clever" with "bright", suggesting intelligence or quick-wittedness.

smart of you

Substitutes "clever" with "smart", indicating intelligence or good judgment.

astute of you

Replaces "clever" with "astute", implying shrewdness and insight.

perceptive of you

Replaces "clever" with "perceptive", highlighting the ability to understand things quickly and accurately.

wise of you

Substitutes "clever" with "wise", suggesting good judgment and experience.

thoughtful of you

Indicates consideration and care in one's actions, moving slightly away from pure intelligence.

sensible of you

Implies practicality and good sense in decision-making.

cunning of you

Replaces "clever" with "cunning", implying cleverness, sometimes with a hint of deception.

funny of you

Moves away from intelligence, highlighting the humorous aspect of an action.

how ingenious

Expresses admiration for inventiveness or resourcefulness directly, rather than attributing it to someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "clever of you" to express admiration for someone's ingenuity, for example: "That was a really clever solution to the problem—"clever of you" to think of it!"

What does "clever of you" imply?

"Clever of you" implies that someone has demonstrated intelligence or ingenuity in a particular situation, and it's being acknowledged or complimented.

What can I say instead of "clever of you"?

You can use alternatives like "bright of you", "smart of you", or "astute of you" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clever of you" formal or informal?

"Clever of you" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or friendly interactions. In more formal settings, consider using a more direct expression of admiration.