intensely clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intensely clever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that demonstrates a high level of intelligence or ingenuity in a strong or profound way. Example: "Her solution to the complex problem was not just clever; it was intensely clever, showcasing her deep understanding of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's intensely clever and intensely visual.

The Guardian - Arts

In this intensely clever, sometimes baffling book, it's never quite clear who is manipulating whom, and which side is up.

The New York Times - Books

Its performance is almost perfect: an apparently insouciant ease belies the intensely clever, dynamic writing and carefully limited perspective.

The Guardian - Books

With a few variations, your Sparkian heroine will be a large, intensely clever woman, an editor or a writer, a bit lonely, a bit criminally inclined.

The New Yorker

What we have here is not historically uncommon: the early progress of an intensely clever, emotionally febrile figure, whose worries are further chafed by his dismay at seeing how directionless that progress feels.

The New Yorker

In London, the Daily Express wrote of Sister Carrie: "It is a cruel, merciless story, intensely clever in its realism, and one that will remain impressed in the memory of the reader for many a long day".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In "The Buddha of Suburbia" (1990), Kureishi's excellent first novel, our teenage narrator has been listening to Pink Floyd and smoking pot in the company of a handsome young friend: "I wanted to live always this intensely: mysticism, alcohol, sexual promise, clever people and drugs".

The New York Times - Books

As a political commentator, Mr. Olbermann was clever and sardonic, but also intensely self-righteous, and his combativeness spilled over into public spats with network executives and producers.

The New York Times - Arts

Strummer's moral authority, coupled with Jones's ability to synthesize decades of rock music without seeming too clever, made people care about The Clash, personally, intensely, and totally.

The New Yorker

De Biasi and his team have shown that clever management and a tightly knit group of talented, intensely motivated players can travel far together in an international scene whose more vaunted sides all too often seem atomised.

The Guardian - Sport

Even more intensely passionate are the late Orchestral Symphonies for Twelve Obbligato Parts (1780), with their clever instrumentation and affective harmonies punctuated by unison passages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intensely clever", consider the context and ensure that the intensity of the cleverness is appropriate for the subject matter. It works best when the cleverness is both noticeable and impactful.

Common error

While "intensely clever" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "exceptionally brilliant" or "remarkably ingenious" to maintain the reader's interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensely clever" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its quality of being highly intelligent or ingenious. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, positioning it as a strong descriptor in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intensely clever" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe something exceptionally intelligent or ingenious. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and the examples show its use in diverse fields such as art, literature, and design. While not exceedingly common, it adds emphasis and depth to descriptions. For alternative phrasing, consider "exceptionally brilliant" or "remarkably ingenious". When writing, ensure that the intensity of the cleverness is appropriate and that the phrase is not overused. Ludwig's analysis highlights that while the phrase is most frequently found in news and media, it has application across many contexts requiring a sophisticated descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally brilliant

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the cleverness.

remarkably ingenious

Highlights the inventive and original aspect of the cleverness.

profoundly intelligent

Focuses on the depth and insightfulness of the intelligence.

exceedingly astute

Stresses the sharpness and perceptiveness of the mind.

strikingly insightful

Highlights the ability to understand hidden truths or meanings.

highly resourceful

Emphasizes the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

supremely inventive

Focuses on the originality and creativity of the cleverness.

uncommonly perceptive

Stresses the unusual ability to notice and understand things.

extraordinarily shrewd

Highlights the practical intelligence and cunning.

deeply insightful

Emphasizes the depth of understanding and perception.

FAQs

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

You can use "intensely clever" to describe something that is not only clever but also demonstrates a high degree of intelligence or ingenuity. For example, "Her solution to the problem was "intensely clever", showcasing her deep understanding of the subject."

What can I say instead of "intensely clever"?

You can use alternatives like "exceptionally brilliant", "remarkably ingenious", or "profoundly intelligent" depending on the specific context.

Is "intensely clever" a formal or informal expression?

"Intensely clever" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in formal writing or speech where a higher level of description is needed.

What is the difference between "clever" and "intensely clever"?

"Clever" implies a general level of intelligence or ingenuity. "Intensely clever" suggests a much higher degree of intelligence, indicating something remarkably or exceptionally ingenious.