clever to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever to" is not grammatically correct in written English.
It is possible that it could be used in spoken language as a shortcut for "clever enough to", but it is not considered proper grammar in written form. Example: "It was clever to come up with a solution so quickly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's clever to remind people you're there.

The Guardian

Even Handler had nothing clever to add.

The New Yorker

The effect was sometimes too clever to be stylish.

The New York Times

"When you're young, it seems very clever to be cynical.

The New Yorker

"I suppose they are too clever to die," Neuronov mused.

The New Yorker

It isn't always clever to follow the example of Americans.

The Guardian

But that argument seemed a little too clever to me.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm not that clever to do a suicide.

The Guardian - Sport

Others claim she was simply too clever to get caught.

The Guardian

You're too clever to vote for an X Factor winner.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But some new terms are too clever to last.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "clever to" with phrases like "smart enough to", "astute enough to", or similar alternatives that explicitly convey the required level of intelligence or skill for a particular action. Ensure that your writing aligns with standard grammatical conventions.

Common error

Avoid using "clever to" in formal writing. While it might be understood in casual conversation, it lacks the precision and grammatical correctness expected in professional or academic contexts. Strive for clarity by using established phrases like "clever enough to" or "smart enough to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever to" functions as an adjective modifying an implied subject, expressing the capacity or intelligence to perform an action. Despite its frequent use, as shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with grammatically sound alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "clever to" appears frequently in everyday language and news media, as shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI underscores that it's better to replace it with alternatives like "smart enough to" or "astute enough to" for clarity and grammatical accuracy. When writing, strive for precision by using established phrases that explicitly convey intelligence or skill. Despite its common usage, especially in News & Media, avoid "clever to" in formal or academic settings to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smart enough to

Emphasizes the required level of intelligence for a specific action.

intelligent enough to

Focuses directly on intellectual capacity.

astute enough to

Highlights keen discernment and insight in the given context.

shrewd enough to

Indicates practicality and resourcefulness in achieving an aim.

wise enough to

Stresses the element of sound judgment and experience.

bright enough to

Emphasizes quickness of understanding and wit.

ingenious enough to

Stresses inventiveness and resourcefulness.

cunning enough to

Highlights the use of clever deception or trickery.

adept enough to

Suggests skillfulness and proficiency.

capable enough to

Focuses on the ability and competence to perform a task.

FAQs

What does "clever to" mean?

The phrase "clever to" is generally intended to mean "smart enough to" or "intelligent enough to", implying someone possesses the necessary intellect to perform a task. However, it's not grammatically correct in formal writing.

Is "clever to" grammatically correct?

No, "clever to" is not grammatically correct in standard written English. Use phrases such as "clever enough to" or "smart enough to" instead.

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

Use "clever" with appropriate prepositions and auxiliary verbs. For example, "He is clever at solving puzzles", "She was clever enough to avoid the trap", or "It was a clever idea".

What are some alternatives to "clever to"?

Instead of "clever to", consider using phrases like "astute enough to", "shrewd enough to", or "intelligent enough to" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.