effortlessly clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effortlessly clever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that demonstrates intelligence or wit in a natural and unforced manner. Example: "Her ability to solve complex problems with such ease made her seem effortlessly clever in the eyes of her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The original band, of course, was one of the bright spots of the late seventies and eighties, combining pub-rock earthiness, punk snottiness, and disco affect in songs that were both effortlessly clever and deeply emotional.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Reading a sage, amusing, elegantly-written letter from Julie or experiencing her effortlessly-eloquent, clever discourse was an event to savor.

The New York Times

But there's also Georgie, effortlessly cool and clever and fertile – four and counting – and blessed on top of that with "natural, classy, skinny good looks".

The Guardian - Books

The 2s were splashed in paint or draped in silk or were driven around like toy cars, and were effortlessly playful and clever.

The Guardian

On the one hand, the group, led by Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger, writes effortlessly melodic, immensely clever songs that probe the superficial nature of the modern world.

The New Yorker

His current single, a witty, clever, effortlessly catchy pop record featuring manufactured quintet Liberty X singing a cover of Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody over music borrowed from the Human League's doomy debut single Being Boiled, is another huge hit - and now he has to promote it on the National Lottery television show.

The Guardian - Music

Eddie Jackson, 64, known as the "musical mayor of Staten Island," whipped his fingers along a set of bongos, and John Dunne, a k a J. D., 59, who has been playing the drums since he was 11, effortlessly tapped out a clever rhythm.

The New York Times

Today's American equivalent one of those clever types floating effortlessly between White House policy-making and Wall Street money-making (a Richard Holbrooke or Bob Rubin, for example)—is bedevilled by the Freedom of Information Act and by investigative reporters.

The Economist

The show effortlessly jumped from being witty, clever, and ironic to urgent, thoughtful, and touching.

Vice

He made a game called For My First Born Son, which effortlessly illustrates how patriarchy works through clever level design.

The Guardian - Tech

In the second half, Julian Crouch's clever studio set unravels effortlessly to become Hell, presided over by the seductive, dark-voiced Devil, David Bedella.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "effortlessly clever" with specific examples to show the subject's intelligence in action, providing concrete evidence of their abilities.

Common error

Avoid using "effortlessly clever" in highly formal or academic writing. It is better suited for journalistic or creative contexts where a slightly informal tone is acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "effortlessly clever" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier. It's used to characterize a subject by attributing to it the qualities of being both clever and effortlessly demonstrating that cleverness. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "effortlessly clever" is a phrase used to describe someone or something that exhibits intelligence and wit in a natural and unforced manner. As stated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. While applicable in numerous contexts, this expression sees frequent utilization in the realm of news and media. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "naturally ingenious" or "deceptively intelligent". When incorporating this expression, avoid overuse in formal contexts and provide specific examples to enhance its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

naturally ingenious

Emphasizes innate creativity and resourcefulness.

deceptively intelligent

Highlights an intelligence that might not be immediately apparent.

instinctively brilliant

Focuses on inherent brilliance and intuitive understanding.

artlessly astute

Implies a cleverness that is simple and without affectation.

smoothly intelligent

Indicates intelligence that is delivered or displayed in a polished, seamless manner.

easily insightful

Highlights the ease with which someone gains deep understanding.

unpretentiously ingenious

Stresses the lack of pretension in being clever.

casually brilliant

Indicates brilliance that is expressed in a relaxed or informal way.

gracefully intelligent

Implies an elegance in the way intelligence is displayed.

intuitively smart

Highlights a cleverness derived from intuition.

FAQs

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

You can use "effortlessly clever" to describe someone or something that shows intelligence in a natural and unforced way. For example: "Her ability to solve complex problems with such ease made her seem "effortlessly clever" in the eyes of her peers."

What are some alternatives to "effortlessly clever"?

Alternatives include "naturally ingenious", "deceptively intelligent", or "instinctively brilliant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "effortlessly clever" too informal for academic writing?

While "effortlessly clever" is widely accepted, it might be perceived as too informal for certain academic contexts. Consider more formal synonyms like "naturally ingenious" or "artlessly astute" in formal essays.

What's the difference between "effortlessly clever" and "naturally intelligent"?

"Effortlessly clever" implies not just intelligence, but also a certain ease and grace in displaying that intelligence. "Naturally intelligent" simply refers to inherent intelligence without necessarily suggesting ease of expression.