feeling clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling clever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a sense of intelligence or wit, often in a lighthearted or self-satisfied manner. Example: "After solving the tricky puzzle, I was really feeling clever and proud of myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Tom is a self-consciously autobiographical figure, but one throwaway line of Serena's — "And feeling clever, I've always thought, is just a sigh away from being cheerful" — could be an animating truth for McEwan as a writer.

The New York Times - Books

Now, I'm feeling clever.

TechCrunch

I thought you were feeling clever today, Neil.

BBC

And, despite feeling clever, everyone saw you do it.

Forbes

And here I was feeling clever about cutting a 55-gallon drum in half to use as my fire pit.

TechCrunch

The game's creators seem to have put a lot of work into building the experience in a way that makes it easy for novice players to jump in, but that also ramps things up with a pace of increasing complexity and introduction of new mechanics that will leave players feeling clever and accomplished.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

BEATING THE CROWDS If I'm feeling particularly clever, I'll race over to Terrace Bagels for a bag of mini-bagels; I like sesame and Hafina likes Everything.

The New York Times

When bath time's over, and if you're feeling particularly clever, you can use the 67C sands to boil an egg or cook a fish.

The Guardian - Travel

I lost hours of sleep over feeling not clever enough, constantly weighing the option of dropping out against my lack of any plan B. I trudged through the university process, eventually finishing my first year – which was meant to be the "fun year" – with little enthusiasm for the future.

The Guardian

OK, this professor isn't feeling too clever today.

BBC

One man simply said he "wasn't feeling too clever" that day.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling clever" when you want to convey a lighthearted or slightly self-satisfied sense of having solved a problem or understood something insightful. It's suitable for informal contexts where a touch of humor is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling clever" in formal writing or professional settings. It can come across as arrogant or lacking in humility. Opt for more neutral terms like "understanding the concept" or "having a clear grasp" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling clever" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. The word 'feeling' acts as a verb describing the state of experiencing cleverness or intelligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase expresses a sense of intelligence or wit.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling clever" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a subjective sense of intelligence or wit. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. Although not overly formal, it finds frequent usage in news and media, as well as wiki contexts. For more formal contexts, phrases like "feeling intelligent" or "feeling astute" may be more appropriate. While effective in conveying a lighthearted sense of accomplishment, avoid overusing it in contexts demanding utmost seriousness. As a final note, the quality of use, assessed through source evaluation, has been deemed high.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling intelligent

Replaces "clever" with a more general term for intelligence. It is very similar in meaning, but is less informal.

feeling astute

Suggests a sharp and perceptive intellect, indicating a slightly more formal and sophisticated sense of cleverness.

feeling sharp

Implies quick-wittedness and mental agility, focusing on the speed and precision of thought.

feeling bright

Highlights a sense of mental clarity and understanding, emphasizing a positive and enlightened feeling.

feeling ingenious

Conveys a sense of inventiveness and resourcefulness, suggesting cleverness in creating or devising something new.

feeling canny

Suggests shrewdness and practicality in one's cleverness, implying a focus on achieving a desired outcome.

feeling witty

Emphasizes humor and a quick, amusing intellect, highlighting the ability to make others laugh.

feeling resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome challenges, focusing on adaptability and problem-solving.

feeling astute

Suggests a keen awareness and understanding, with a focus on insightful observation and accurate judgment.

feeling discerning

Implies an ability to make fine distinctions and appreciate subtle differences, emphasizing refined taste and judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeling clever" to describe a sense of satisfaction after solving a problem. For example, "After figuring out the loophole, I was really feeling clever".

What are some alternatives to "feeling clever"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling intelligent", "feeling sharp", or "feeling bright" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "feeling clever"?

It is appropriate to use "feeling clever" in informal settings, casual conversations, or when writing creatively. However, avoid it in formal or professional contexts where a more serious tone is required.

Is "feeling clever" grammatically correct?

Yes, "feeling clever" is grammatically correct. It uses "feeling" as a present participle modifying the adjective "clever" to describe a state of being.