clever retort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever retort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a witty or sharp response in a conversation or debate. Example: "During the discussion, she delivered a clever retort that left everyone in the room impressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Humor

Personal Anecdotes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Undoubtedly, pharmaceutical firms will think of a clever retort, given the stakes.

The New York Times

The couple recently welcomed twins, Heidi and der Treppenwitz (the concept of thinking of a clever retort only when it is too late).

The New Yorker

"It's so easy to get sucked into day-to-day, tit-for-tat thinking, finding some clever retort for whatever comment your opponent made.

The New York Times

Young and healthy people opt not to buy coverage, leaving a sicker and so costlier risk pool.Reforming the system will require addressing both cost and coverage togetherMr Obama's pragmatic, and politically clever, retort is that it is unreasonable to require individuals to purchase something whose cost cannot be known with certainty in advance.

The Economist

He is a funny, gregarious man, quick with a clever retort, and utterly without guilt about what he does for a living — not only enabling big-time chief executives to make oodles of money, but defending most of the practices that allow corporate chieftains to reap their millions.

The New York Times

I came up with the clever retort, "Well, if I were in the jungle, a leopard wouldn't care about my rights".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Campy items are thrown in the air, clever retorts are tossed back to the screen.

The New York Times

Frankly, many four-letter words shot to the tip of my tongue as I thought of several clever retorts.

The New York Times

No matter what side you're on, no matter how much glee you get in funny memes and clever retorts, delete your account.

TechCrunch

Other skits, meanwhile, get a bit more conversational and open-ended; Winston might ask a kid what their favorite type of ball is, with ToyTalk having prepped clever retorts or bits of trivia for every type of ball they could think of internally.

TechCrunch

The arguments against Rousey are that she shouldn't simply get to the head of the line because she's got a big name, big hype, a pretty smile and some clever retorts.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clever retort" when you want to emphasize both the intelligence and the quickness of a response. It's particularly effective in describing debates, witty conversations, or humorous situations.

Common error

Avoid using "clever retort" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "intelligent response" or "insightful answer" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever retort" functions as a noun phrase, where 'clever' modifies 'retort'. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is usable in written English. It typically acts as the object of a verb, describing the nature of a response.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clever retort" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a witty and intelligent response. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While not overly formal, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "witty response" or "sharp comeback" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember to avoid overusing it in highly formal writing and be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with your intended tone. The frequency of the expression in the examined sources can be classified as uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Witty response

Focuses on the humor and intelligence of the reply.

Sharp comeback

Emphasizes the quick and incisive nature of the reply.

Smart reply

Highlights the intelligence behind the answer.

Ingenious rejoinder

Implies creativity and cleverness in the response.

Quick-witted answer

Stresses the speed and intelligence of the reply.

Brilliant riposte

Emphasizes the high level of intelligence and skill in the response.

Apt rejoinder

Highlights the suitability and relevance of the response.

Intelligent repartee

Highlights the sophisticated and witty nature of the exchange.

Astute reply

Focuses on the insightful and perceptive nature of the answer.

Deft response

Emphasizes the skillful and graceful way in which the answer is delivered.

FAQs

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

You can use "clever retort" to describe a witty and intelligent response to a statement or question. For example, "During the debate, she delivered a "clever retort" that silenced her opponent."

What are some alternatives to "clever retort"?

Alternatives to "clever retort" include "witty response", "sharp comeback", or "smart reply". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "clever retort" formal or informal?

"Clever retort" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for many contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, a more neutral term like "intelligent response" might be preferred.

What's the difference between a "clever retort" and a "sarcastic remark"?

A ""clever retort"" is a witty and intelligent response, while a sarcastic remark often uses irony or mockery to convey contempt. The former aims to impress with intelligence, while the latter often aims to criticize or ridicule.