he is clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'he is clever' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is intelligent or quick-witted. For example, you might say, "My brother is really clever - he graduated college at the top of his class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He is clever and determined.

The Economist

He is clever with his hands.

The Economist

He is clever, original and tough-minded.

The New York Times - Books

He is clever with words too.

The New York Times - Arts

He is clever, witty, hugely successful, massively popular.

Independent

He is clever, harsh, comic, but his reach is narrow.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

He was clever.

The New York Times

He's intelligent, he's clever.

The New York Times

He was clever, handsome, and capable.

The New Yorker

Others thought he was clever.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course he's clever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is clever" when you want to emphasize someone's quick-wittedness, intelligence, or resourcefulness in a specific situation. It's a versatile compliment applicable in many contexts.

Common error

While "he is clever" is acceptable in most contexts, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "astute" or "ingenious" in formal or academic writing to elevate your tone and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is clever" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of being intelligent, resourceful, or quick-witted to a male subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is clever" is a commonly used phrase to describe a male subject as intelligent and resourceful. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatically correct status and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, writers should consider the formality of the context and choose synonyms like "astute" or "ingenious" for elevated prose. As a descriptive statement, it serves to positively assess someone's mental capabilities. The phrase enjoys frequent usage, especially in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is intelligent

Focuses on general mental capacity rather than specific cleverness.

he is astute

Implies keen awareness and shrewdness, particularly in practical matters.

he is ingenious

Suggests inventiveness and resourcefulness in problem-solving.

he is sharp-witted

Highlights the ability to think and respond quickly and cleverly.

he is resourceful

Emphasizes the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

he is quick-thinking

Stresses the speed and efficiency of his thought processes.

he is bright

A more general term for intelligence, applicable to various situations.

he is gifted

Suggests a natural talent or ability, often beyond mere cleverness.

he is skilled

Highlights proficiency and expertise in a particular area.

he is adept

Indicates a high level of competence and skillfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "he is clever" in a sentence?

You can use "he is clever" to describe someone's intelligence or quick-wittedness. For example, "He is clever at finding solutions to complex problems."

What are some alternatives to "he is clever"?

Alternatives include "he is astute", "he is intelligent", or "he is ingenious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "he is clever" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "he is clever" in most writing contexts, from informal to neutral. However, in very formal or academic writing, consider using a more sophisticated synonym.

Is there a difference between saying "he is clever" and "he is smart"?

While both describe intelligence, "he is clever" often implies a quick-wittedness or resourcefulness, whereas "he is smart" is a more general term for intelligence.