full of stratagems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of stratagems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is characterized by clever plans or schemes, often in a strategic context. Example: "The novel's protagonist was a master tactician, always full of stratagems to outsmart his opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The firm sold a string of stratagems to deprive the Treasury of billions.

The Guardian - Business

We accomplish what we do, creating a series of stratagems to explode the horror.

The New York Times - Books

In the end, she does get there, proving that even the sketchiest of stratagems can get things back on track.

The Guardian - Film

There are any number of stratagems that retailers use to make some televisions look more appealing than others.

Forbes

To overcome incumbents' natural advantages, challengers resort to a variety of stratagems.

Los Angeles Times

There were surveillance stratagems: once, two-thirds of the way down a page full of advice, he wrote, "If you've read this far, call me up".

The New Yorker

Full rails, full of coal.

The New York Times

Ryan Gawn is director of Stratagem International and a deployable civilian expert with the UK government's stabilisation unit.

The Guardian

That sort of stratagem is pure hokum, but other operational details stick close to the real thing.

The New Yorker

Those dudes being released from the SHU are natural and learned and Machiavellian, with decades of stratagem under their belt.

Vice

This is the most famous of the stratagems, immortalized in the form of a Chinese idiom: "Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, fleeing is best" Whew -- taken in aggregate, these stratagems provide quite a cynical view of human interaction, don't they?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of stratagems" to describe characters in fiction or historical figures known for their complex planning and tactical thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "full of stratagems" in everyday situations. The phrase carries a sense of elaborate planning that can seem excessive if the context is simple. For instance, instead of saying "The game was full of stratagems", consider "The game required many tactics."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of stratagems" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is characterized by numerous cunning plans or schemes. Since Ludwig's AI identifies the phrase as usable, its primary role is descriptive, highlighting the presence of many well-thought-out tactics.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of stratagems" serves as a descriptive adjective phrase that conveys complexity and strategic planning. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability, suggesting it’s grammatically sound. While examples are limited, the phrase is more suited for formal contexts like news, academic writing, or professional settings, rather than casual conversation. Alternatives such as "rich in tactics", "replete with schemes", and "cleverly planned" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rich in tactics

Focuses on the abundance of tactical approaches available.

replete with schemes

Highlights the presence of numerous plans, often with a negative connotation.

cleverly planned

Emphasizes the intelligence and ingenuity behind the planning.

tactically astute

Indicates a sharp and insightful understanding of tactical maneuvers.

scheming

Implies a manipulative and often secretive planning process.

devising plans

Focuses on the act of creating strategies or plans.

crafty

Suggests a cunning and skillful approach to achieving goals.

resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome obstacles.

ingenious

Implies cleverness and originality in problem-solving.

cunning

Suggests a sly and deceitful approach to achieving goals.

FAQs

How can I use "full of stratagems" in a sentence?

You can use "full of stratagems" to describe a person, situation, or plan characterized by many clever or cunning tactics. For example: "The general's plan was full of stratagems to confuse the enemy."

What are some alternatives to "full of stratagems"?

Alternatives include "rich in tactics", "replete with schemes", or "cleverly planned", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "full of stratagems" formal or informal?

"Full of stratagems" leans towards a more formal register due to its sophisticated vocabulary. It's suitable for academic, professional, or literary contexts, but might sound overly elaborate in casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "full of stratagems" over simpler alternatives?

Use "full of stratagems" when you want to emphasize the complexity and cunning involved in the planning or tactics being described. It's most effective when the context involves strategic thinking, intricate schemes, or calculated maneuvers.