exceedingly clever

USAGE SUMMARY

"exceedingly clever" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something that demonstrates a high level of intelligence or ingenuity. An example would be: "Her solution to the problem was exceedingly clever." Alternative expressions include "extremely intelligent" and "remarkably smart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

In fact, it was exceedingly clever of Hollywood to double the number of best-picture nominations this year to 10.

The New York Times

Each of these two is determined to hunt down and eliminate the other, and each is exceedingly clever.

The New York Times - Books

So he has plainly been exceedingly clever – or at least, that's how it looks from the outside.

The Guardian - Music

Yet both were pioneers in a male-dominated profession, and both became exemplars to their many young admirers.Each woman was exceedingly clever, and more than usually good-looking.

The Economist

So either they were exceedingly clever in hiding their dangerous liaisons, or some other black-white pairings produced all those mixed-race children.

The New York Times

(One can trace the progress, or not, of the couple's shifting rapport from the changes wrought to Peter McKintosh's exceedingly clever set).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Rewards are going to those companies that are exceedingly fast, clever and capital efficient.

Forbes

Being exceedingly beautiful, or even notably clever, proved deadly for some other bird species.

The New York Times - Science

And, much as you might expect from a University Challenge contestant circa 1987, he is clever and witty and self-deprecating, and exceedingly good company.

Independent

And his self-consciously clever play with other styles in other works — classical Greek, Surrealist, Conceptual — is exceedingly unoriginal.

The New York Times - Arts

Clever, clever.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceedingly clever" to describe a solution, design, or idea that is not only intelligent but also innovative and perhaps unexpected. For example, "The escape plan was exceedingly clever, making use of the building's unique architecture."

Common error

Avoid using "exceedingly clever" in very casual or informal settings. The phrase has a slightly formal tone, so more casual synonyms like "really smart" or "super inventive" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceedingly clever" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the characteristic of being clever, indicating a high degree of intelligence or ingenuity. Examples from Ludwig, such as "Each woman was exceedingly clever," illustrate its use in attributing a significant level of intelligence to a person.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceedingly clever" is a correct and usable adjective phrase in English, used to describe something or someone showing a high degree of intelligence and ingenuity. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards the formal side and should be used judiciously in informal contexts. Alternatives include "extremely intelligent", "remarkably astute", and "exceptionally bright", each with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase demonstrates a strong positive connotation. Considering its consistent grammatical correctness and usage across authoritative sources, it stands as a valuable phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely intelligent

Emphasizes a high degree of intelligence, focusing on mental capacity.

remarkably astute

Highlights keen awareness and perceptiveness.

exceptionally bright

Focuses on quick understanding and mental sharpness.

highly ingenious

Stresses inventiveness and cleverness in design or method.

notably sharp-witted

Points out the ability to think and respond quickly and cleverly.

decidedly canny

Indicates shrewdness and practicality in decision-making.

uncommonly resourceful

Emphasizes the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

particularly sharp

A more straightforward way to describe someone with heightened mental acuity.

strikingly insightful

Highlights an unusual depth of understanding.

unusually skilled

Focuses on a high degree of proficiency and cleverness in a particular area.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceedingly clever" to describe someone or something that shows great intelligence and ingenuity. For example, "The detective devised an "exceedingly clever" trap to catch the thief."

What are some alternatives to "exceedingly clever"?

Some alternatives include "extremely intelligent", "remarkably astute", or "exceptionally bright". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "exceedingly clever" formal or informal?

"Exceedingly clever" is somewhat formal. While suitable for news, academic papers, or professional settings, it might sound slightly out of place in very casual conversation. Other options include "really smart" or "very bright".

What's the difference between "exceedingly clever" and "very clever"?

"Exceedingly clever" implies a higher degree of ingenuity than "very clever". While "very clever" suggests a good level of intelligence, "exceedingly clever" emphasizes that the idea or action is particularly brilliant or inventive.