clever picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an image that is witty, intelligent, or creatively designed, often evoking thought or amusement. Example: "The artist created a clever picture that cleverly captured the essence of modern life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Lacy recommends: "Inspired by Poe's masterwork The Raven, Edgar Gets Ready For Bed is a clever picture book telling the story of a mother guiding her disobedient son through his nightly ritual.

The Guardian - Books

Hence, layered messages in works like "Art Critic," which gently parodies old masters, and in "Triple Self-Portrait," a clever picture, with its sly Picasso and Rembrandt imitations and funny autobiographical metaphors -- all of which were Rockwell's wily means of signaling cognoscenti, who still mostly ignored him.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So many photographers who care about composition forget about our boredom, or maybe don't respect it; they give us formally clever pictures, and we yawn.

The New Yorker

The cleverest picture in the book is reserved for the White Stripes, the low-tech duo whose second album famously featured no bass at all, and who are shot here as a carnival knife-throwing act, with Meg White on the receiving end.

The New York Times - Books

San Jose-based artist Mike Borja turns basic Instagram photos into psychedelic sketches using the Paint Joy app that can be used for some oh-so-clever picture manipulations.

Vice

Whatever your age there are CDs and books to help you to harness the power of Mozart's music, but when it comes to scientific evidence that it can make you more clever, the picture is more mixed. .

BBC

People occasionally make clever big-picture pronouncements in "The Future Is Not What It Was," a dark and promising comedy at Walkerspace that is the Kindling Theater Company's inaugural production.

The New York Times

There were clever photoshopped pictures of Winston, carrying a crab, striking the Heisman pose.

Los Angeles Times

It is a clever phrase: painting a picture of plucky Scotland setting out into the wider world, but within a reassuring European embrace.This must seem a triumph for the European Union's founding fathers.

The Economist

But this clever and openhearted picture (directed by Dean Parisot) eventually found its audience on television and DVD.

The New York Times

What a clever, ambitious, compassionate picture it is; what a success for Joe Wright and for Knightley and McAvoy - though it is probably in the long, languid wordless summery scenes at the beginning that the film works best.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual art, use "clever picture" to denote an image that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also intellectually stimulating or witty.

Common error

Avoid using "clever picture" simply as a synonym for "good picture". It implies an element of ingenuity or wit, not just aesthetic quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "clever" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "picture". Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes images that are intellectually stimulating or witty. The adjective adds a layer of appreciation beyond mere aesthetics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Books

33%

Arts

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clever picture" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, denoting an image that possesses ingenuity or wit. According to Ludwig, it's often employed to describe works of art or photography that are intellectually engaging rather than merely aesthetically pleasing. Although its frequency is uncommon, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its validity. When writing, remember to use "clever picture" when you want to convey that an image is not just visually appealing but also intellectually stimulating. Alternatives like "ingenious image" or "witty illustration" can provide similar meaning, depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingenious image

Replaces "clever" with "ingenious", emphasizing inventiveness.

smart photograph

Substitutes "clever" with "smart", focusing on intelligence.

witty illustration

Replaces "clever picture" with "witty illustration", emphasizing humor.

astute depiction

Changes both words to highlight sharpness and insight.

brilliant visual

Uses "brilliant" instead of "clever", stressing excellence.

creative shot

Focuses on the inventive aspect of the picture.

innovative artwork

Highlights the originality of the artistic piece.

shrewd portrayal

Emphasizes the keen understanding conveyed by the picture.

cunning representation

Stresses the skillful and artful nature of the depiction.

deft composition

Focuses on the skillful arrangement of elements in the picture.

FAQs

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

You can use "clever picture" to describe an image that is witty or intellectually stimulating, like "The artist created a "clever picture" that subtly critiqued modern society".

What are some alternatives to "clever picture"?

Alternatives include "ingenious image", "smart photograph", or "witty illustration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clever picture" formal or informal?

"Clever picture" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "astute depiction".

What makes a "clever picture" different from a regular picture?

A "clever picture" isn't just visually appealing; it incorporates wit, intelligence, or a unique perspective. It's designed to engage the viewer's mind, not just their eyes, unlike a standard photograph.