craftily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "craftily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions done in a clever or cunning manner, often with a sense of skillful deceit or trickery. Example: "She craftily devised a plan to outsmart her competitors in the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He greeted me with the traditional Polish hand-kiss, and chose his words carefully, craftily avoiding my questions about Wałesa's future (he was soon to be released from detention).

The Guardian

He craftily answered with a question.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others say he is craftily pressing ahead with bits of a liberal agenda but keeping the left and the street quiet with social measures.

The Economist

At the very least it always seemed to be a clever technology, craftily designed to exploit what Aereo's founder, Chet Kanojia (pictured), saw as a loophole in copyright law.

The Economist

He has craftily added the European Union's neighbourhood to the portfolio, keeping this firmly under commission control.

The Economist

Goodluck Jonathan, who suddenly came to power after Mr Yar'Adua's death, has been tied up with next year's election.Mr Compaoré's real democracy test will come in 2015, when he reaches the end of the two terms stipulated by a constitutional amendment in 2000 and craftily asserted by him to have begun only with his election in 2005.

The Economist

The Obama administration has craftily raised expectations to such a degree that backsliding now seems unthinkable, visitors say.

The Economist

And, though patently unpopular among Serbs at large, thanks mainly to their continuing dismal standard of living, Mr Djindjic had been craftily consolidating power, seeking to bring, for instance, the army under his control.While putting himself squarely in the pro-western camp on most foreign issues, on Kosovo Mr Djindjic was ambiguous.

The Economist

A greenhouse provides the required nectar plants, and an in-house breeding facility is craftily joined to the atrium by a pivoting window laden with pupae.

The Economist

When Mr Murdoch heard, according to someone close to the mogul, he was furious.Mediaset craftily took advantage of a ruling by the European Commission when Sky Italia was formed from the merger of Telepiu and Stream in 2003.

The Economist

When Mr Kerry asked him to denounce the Swift Boat group, the president craftily replied that he denounces all such groups, and invited Mr Kerry to do the same.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "craftily" to describe actions that involve a degree of cunning and ingenuity, especially when highlighting the cleverness behind a deceptive or manipulative maneuver. For instance, "The negotiator craftily steered the conversation to his advantage."

Common error

Avoid using "craftily" excessively in formal writing where a more neutral term like "cleverly" or "skillfully" might be more appropriate. Overuse can create a tone that is overly suggestive of deceit or manipulation.

Linguistic Context

The word "craftily" functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it specifies that an action is carried out in a cunning and skillful way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "craftily" effectively describes actions performed with cunning skill and a hint of deception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its common usage across various authoritative sources such as The Economist, The New York Times, and The Guardian. While highly versatile, "craftily" should be used judiciously in formal contexts to avoid unintended negative connotations. Consider alternatives like "slyly" or "cunningly" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember, while “craftily” is grammatically sound, context matters!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slyly

Implies a subtle and secretive approach, often with a negative connotation of deceit.

Cunningly

Highlights intelligence and resourcefulness in deception, focusing on cleverness.

Artfully

Suggests skillful and creative manipulation, emphasizing the finesse of the action.

Deviously

Indicates a more malicious or underhanded method, emphasizing the intent to deceive.

Shrewdly

Focuses on sharp intelligence and practical wisdom in achieving one's aims, often without negative connotations.

Astutely

Emphasizes keen perception and insight, allowing for clever and advantageous actions.

Ingeniously

Highlights inventiveness and cleverness in finding a solution or achieving a goal.

Slyly manoeuvred

Focuses on skillfully guiding something or someone through a series of steps or actions, often to gain an advantage.

With calculated precision

Emphasizes the careful and deliberate nature of the action, highlighting the planning involved.

In a Machiavellian manner

Suggests a ruthlessly pragmatic approach, prioritizing effectiveness over morality.

FAQs

How can I use "craftily" in a sentence?

"Craftily" is an adverb used to describe actions done with cunning or skill, often implying a degree of deception. For instance, "The spy "craftily obtained the information" without raising suspicion."

What are some alternatives to using "craftily"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slyly", "cunningly", "artfully", or "deviously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "craftily" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "craftily" in formal writing should be done with caution. It carries a connotation of deception or manipulation, which may not be suitable for all formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "cleverly" or "skillfully" if the negative implication is unwanted.

What is the difference between "craftily" and "cleverly"?

Both "craftily" and "cleverly" describe actions done with intelligence, but "craftily" implies a degree of cunning and potential deception, while "cleverly" suggests intelligence and ingenuity without necessarily implying deceit. Use "craftily" when you want to emphasize the sly or manipulative nature of the action.