extremely cunning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely cunning" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is very clever and skilled at achieving their goals, often through deceit or trickery. An example would be: "The extremely cunning fox outsmarted the hunters." Alternative expressions include "highly crafty" and "very shrewd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is all extremely cunning of Facebook, who are trying to build the web within the web.

The Guardian

The rich and powerful Delahaye clan goes up against the not-so-rich but extremely cunning Clancy tribe in this multigenerational tale of murder and revenge.

The New York Times - Books

Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad celebrated the wicket in the self-congratulatory manner of a pair who thought they had hatched an extremely cunning plan.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's not immediately evident whether the part's friend, or foe, or a bit of both," a source told the Mail, adding that his character is "extremely cunning" and "a nemesis of sorts".

Independent

Lyndon Johnson may have been extremely cunning, but the kind of dealmaking he was able to practise was the product of a moment that, in political terms, was an anomaly compared with what went before or came after.These mid-century institutions have subsequently been asked to run a plethora of new programmes, each layered on top of the next because Congress finds it so hard to undo legislation.

The Economist

"He is extremely cunning," says Mr Wallis.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It is finally the cunning of the Woman that ensnares him into the cave – it is an extremely crafty deal, during which all is explained, even why it is that dogs chase cats up trees.

The Guardian - Books

She, too, is extremely scheming and cunning.

Huffington Post

The Riddler is extremely intelligent and cunning no matter how crazy he seems.

WikiHow

The Joker is extremely intelligent and cunning no matter how crazy he seems.

WikiHow

"They are extremely dangerous, they're cunning.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extremely cunning" to describe characters or situations where a high degree of intelligence and perhaps deception is involved. Avoid using it in contexts that require sensitivity, as it can carry a negative connotation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "extremely cunning" might sound out of place in very formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral synonyms like "highly strategic" or "exceptionally astute" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely cunning" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, providing information about the qualities of that noun. Ludwig AI shows that it often describes individuals or plans characterized by intelligence and strategic thinking, frequently with a negative or morally ambiguous connotation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extremely cunning" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a high degree of cleverness often associated with manipulation or deceit. Ludwig AI identifies its usage as uncommon but acceptable, predominantly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is useful for portraying characters or situations with strategic intelligence, it's advisable to consider the context and potentially opt for more neutral synonyms in formal settings to avoid negative connotations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase's impact largely depends on the intent and the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally shrewd

Emphasizes practical intelligence and resourcefulness.

highly astute

Focuses on mental sharpness and insight rather than deceit.

uncommonly canny

Stresses good judgment and foresight.

remarkably wily

Highlights the use of clever tricks or deception.

incredibly Machiavellian

Refers specifically to political cunning and manipulation.

deceptively clever

Suggests an intelligence that is not immediately apparent.

subtly manipulative

Highlights the indirect and nuanced nature of the cunning.

extraordinarily ingenious

Focuses on inventiveness and originality.

utterly strategic

Emphasizes careful planning and calculated actions.

supremely artful

Implies a refined and skillful approach to manipulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "extremely cunning" to describe someone who is very clever and skilled at achieving their goals, often through deceit or trickery. For example: "The "extremely cunning" fox outsmarted the hunters."

What are some synonyms for "extremely cunning"?

Alternatives include "highly astute", "exceptionally shrewd", or "remarkably wily" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "extremely cunning" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "extremely cunning" can sound informal. Consider alternatives like "highly strategic" or "exceptionally astute" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "extremely cunning" and "very intelligent"?

"Extremely cunning" implies a level of cleverness that often involves deception or manipulation, whereas "very intelligent" simply indicates a high intellectual capacity without necessarily suggesting deceit.