cunning way

USAGE SUMMARY

"cunning way" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sly or clever approach to a situation. For example, "The thief used a cunning way to break into the museum without being noticed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But perhaps creative perks are actually a cunning way for firms to save money.

Independent

Tallents hinted, however, that there might be a cunning way around this problem.

The Guardian - Film

1.59pm: Apparently it's just a cunning way of making Harrison a better boss.

The Guardian - Film

Finally, an IT expert has found a cunning way to make money from dead computers.

The Guardian - Tech

That is a cunning way to silence protectionist Democrats without committing Mr Kerry to doing anything in particular.

The Economist

Director JJ Abrams and screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have found a cunning way of rewriting the backstory.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

HIV-1 evades antibody-mediated neutralization in many cunning ways.

Trends in Microbiology

He played with space in cunning ways.

The New York Times - Arts

So he looked for cunning ways of doing it.

The New Yorker

Faced with a mammoth skills shortage, some companies have found cunning ways to use the Internet as a lure.

The Economist

Or will voters split their allegiances in all sorts of cunning ways to keep the politicians on their toes?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cunning way", consider the context and ensure that the connotation of slyness or trickery aligns with your intended meaning. If a more neutral term is desired, alternatives like "clever approach" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid overusing "cunning way" in highly formal or academic writing, where it might be perceived as too informal or suggestive of negative intent. Opt for alternatives like "strategic method" or "innovative approach" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning way" functions as an adjective-noun construction describing a method or approach. "Cunning" modifies "way", indicating the manner in which something is done. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various domains, from news reporting to academic discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cunning way" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a method or approach characterized by cleverness and resourcefulness, often with a hint of slyness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When choosing "cunning way", it's crucial to consider the potential negative connotations associated with "cunning" and opt for alternatives like "clever approach" or "strategic method" in more formal settings. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey both the ingenuity and potential deceptiveness of a particular method.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever approach

Uses the more common adjective 'clever' instead of 'cunning', making the phrase more accessible.

astute method

Replaces 'way' with 'method', emphasizing the systematic nature of the clever approach; slightly more formal.

sly technique

Replaces 'cunning' with 'sly' emphasizing the secretive nature of the technique.

shrewd tactic

Substitutes 'cunning' with 'shrewd' and 'way' with 'tactic', highlighting the strategic aspect of the approach.

ingenious scheme

Replaces 'cunning' with 'ingenious' and 'way' with 'scheme', suggesting a clever and inventive plan.

crafty maneuver

It highlights the skill and trickery involved in a particular action or movement.

strategic measure

It highlights a carefully planned action to achieve a specific goal.

devious strategy

Implies a more underhanded or deceitful approach compared to "cunning way".

wily ploy

Uses a less common term 'wily' and 'ploy', suggesting a cunning and deceitful tactic.

artful dodge

This alternative suggests a skillful way of avoiding something.

FAQs

How can I use "cunning way" in a sentence?

"Cunning way" is used to describe a clever or sly method of achieving something. For example, "The fox found a "cunning way" to get into the henhouse."

What can I say instead of "cunning way"?

You can use alternatives like "clever approach", "astute method", or "shrewd tactic" depending on the context.

Is "cunning way" a positive or negative expression?

"Cunning" can have both positive and negative connotations. While it often implies cleverness, it can also suggest slyness or deceit. The overall tone depends on the context in which ""cunning way"" is used.

When is it appropriate to use "cunning way" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the cleverness and resourcefulness, even if it involves a degree of slyness, in someone's approach. However, avoid using ""cunning way"" in formal contexts where a more neutral term might be preferred.