he is very clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is very clever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who demonstrates intelligence or quick thinking. Example: "In our last meeting, he solved the problem in minutes; he is very clever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

'He is very clever, very quick and very strong.

The Guardian - Sport

As one French partner said recently, "Bruce is a good businessman, and he is very clever".

The New York Times

Mr. Karzai "has a lot of tricks, and he is very clever," Mr. Abdullah said.

The New York Times

"He is very clever, very pragmatic, but he's also now showing himself to be bold, a risk-taker.

The New York Times

You gave it back in training when you returned and he is very clever in terms of psychology.

The Guardian - Sport

"He is very clever, good on the left and on the right," Miroslav Klose, a German forward who has four goals, said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He's very clever.

The New Yorker

He was very clever about it, actually.

The New Yorker

"He's very clever, a master manipulator..

The Guardian

"Shah Rukh, he's very clever".Yet their presence fits Mr Goyal's taste for networking.

The Economist

You thought it, actually; for long years, you thought he was very clever, but he is not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is very clever" to describe someone who demonstrates intelligence or quick thinking in specific situations. For instance, "He is very clever at finding solutions to complex problems."

Common error

Avoid using "he is very clever" as a general compliment without illustrating the person's cleverness with examples or specific instances. Instead of simply stating "he is very clever", provide context: "He is very clever; he quickly grasped the nuances of the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is very clever" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of cleverness to a male subject. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is very clever" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone's intelligence or quick-wittedness. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, making it a versatile expression for both informal and formal contexts. While generally neutral, it's advisable to provide specific examples to illustrate the person's cleverness. Alternatives like "he is highly intelligent" or "he is extremely smart" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he's highly intelligent

Emphasizes a high degree of intelligence.

he is extremely smart

Highlights a strong level of intelligence using different vocabulary.

he is quite brilliant

Suggests exceptional intelligence or talent.

he is remarkably astute

Focuses on keen observation and insightful understanding.

he is exceptionally sharp

Indicates quick thinking and intelligence.

he is notably ingenious

Highlights inventiveness and resourcefulness.

he is impressively resourceful

Focuses on the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

he possesses great intellect

Emphasizes intellectual capacity and power.

he is exceptionally perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand things quickly and accurately.

he is extraordinarily insightful

Indicates a deep understanding of complex situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "he is very clever" to describe someone's intelligence or quick-thinking abilities. For example, "In our last meeting, he solved the problem in minutes; he is very clever."

What are some alternatives to "he is very clever"?

You can use alternatives like "he is highly intelligent", "he is extremely smart", or "he is quite brilliant" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he is very clever" formal or informal?

"He is very clever" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred in very formal writing.

How does "he is very clever" compare to "he is intelligent"?

While both phrases describe a person's mental capacity, "he is very clever" often implies quick-wittedness and resourcefulness, while "he is intelligent" is a more general descriptor of intellectual ability.