cleverness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'cleverness' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the quality of being intelligent, resourceful, and quick-witted. Example: Her cleverness in solving complex problems impressed her colleagues and earned her a promotion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There he isn't a clever (deinos) speaker, unless cleverness consists in speaking the truth (Ap. 17a4-b6).

SEP

A lawyer need not understand "A Brief History of Time", but she must be able to argue logically.The clever shall inherit the earthAs technology advances, the rewards to cleverness increase.

The Economist

Lukaku has, however, proved vital to his loan clubs West Brom and Everton, using his power, cleverness and finishing skills to elevate them to higher levels while on loan – and insists he is content to bide his time and make an impact at Stamford Bridge next season.

The Guardian - Sport

I once asked David to add his presence and cleverness to a nice and a very social charity committee.

The Guardian

He is talking now only because he has a new film to promote, one he shot in London before the Games and edited afterwards: Trance, a stylish, high-concept thriller that sees the director returning to the devilish cleverness and sympathetic crooks of his debut, Shallow Grave.

The Guardian - Film

"Or I read there's no jokes and it's just about cleverness of structure and then I read a criticism of the last series that it was an obvious bid for mainstream acceptance by being full of jokes.

The Guardian

Trusting in her cleverness is not enough.

The Economist

The success of a food product also depends on the cleverness of its marketing.

The Economist

But in the end what is most striking about the film is not its cleverness, as so many critics are claiming, but its utter lack of originality.

The Economist

Mr Osborne showed boldness when drawing up Plan A. His cleverness is not in question.

The Economist

Ultimately, debt is a way that people bet on their own futures, placing a wager on their own ability, cleverness, diligence and luck.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of "cleverness", consider using more descriptive synonyms like "ingenuity" or "resourcefulness" to add nuance.

Common error

While "cleverness" is acceptable, excessive use in formal writing can sound informal. Opt for synonyms like "intellect" or "astuteness" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cleverness" is as a noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the quality of being clever. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes intelligence, resourcefulness, and quick-wittedness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Cleverness" is a noun denoting the quality of being clever, implying intelligence, resourcefulness, and quick-wittedness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media. Synonyms such as "ingenuity" and "smartness" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. While generally positive, its overuse in formal contexts should be avoided in favor of more professional terms like "intellect". The usage analysis reveals its prominence in various authoritative sources, making it a valuable term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligence

Broader term encompassing various cognitive abilities.

ingenuity

Focuses on inventiveness and resourcefulness.

smartness

General term for quick-wittedness and intelligence.

shrewdness

Implies astuteness and practical intelligence.

astuteness

Highlights keen perception and discernment.

wit

Emphasizes intellectual humor and quick repartee.

wisdom

Signifies deep understanding and sound judgment.

genius

Refers to exceptional intellectual or creative power.

brainpower

Informal term for intellectual capacity.

aptitude

Natural talent or ability for something.

FAQs

How can I use "cleverness" in a sentence?

You can use "cleverness" to describe the quality of being intelligent, resourceful, and quick-witted. For instance, "Her "cleverness" allowed her to solve the complex problem quickly."

What words can I use instead of "cleverness"?

Alternatives to "cleverness" include "ingenuity", "smartness", "wit", and "intelligence", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cleverness" or "intelligence"?

Both "cleverness" and "intelligence" describe mental capacity, but "intelligence" is broader. "Cleverness" often implies quick-wittedness and resourcefulness in solving problems, while "intelligence" encompasses a wider range of cognitive abilities.

Can "cleverness" be used in a negative context?

While primarily positive, "cleverness" can sometimes imply a manipulative or cunning nature if used in certain contexts. For example, "His "cleverness" allowed him to deceive others."