is clever enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is clever enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that possesses a sufficient level of intelligence or wit to accomplish a task or understand a concept. Example: "She is clever enough to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who is clever enough is in Prague".

The New York Times

that, whereas I don't know whether Mr. the investment and whether he is clever enough to give good advice.

Princeton University

"Gone for Good" is clever enough on its own terms, but its recycling is a problem.

The New York Times - Books

Usually this mixture is comic, but Tartt is clever enough to see its darker potential.

The Guardian - Books

Now he is clever enough to know where to get the votes from".

The New Yorker

A former MEP, Villiers is clever enough but of little political account.

The Guardian

Not everyone is clever enough to wade through worthy broadsheet articles, or has the time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Plus, why not assume that Gaga is clever enough to be making a linguistic joke?

The Guardian - Books

He is too busy looking at spreadsheets to learn about music — though he is clever enough to manage an iPod.

The New Yorker

"I think the chancellor is clever enough". Does he refer to the chancellor and PM as Ant and Dec?

The Guardian

Parry won't forget the day and Bumble is clever enough to understand and place things in context.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing problem-solving skills, consider using "is clever enough" to highlight the ingenuity applied.

Common error

While "is clever enough" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "is sufficiently intelligent" or "possesses the requisite acumen" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is clever enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject possesses sufficient intelligence or wit to achieve a particular outcome or understand a concept, as seen in many examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is clever enough" is a common and generally acceptable way to express that someone or something has the necessary intelligence or wit for a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the register and opt for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Synonyms like "is intelligent enough" or "is astute enough" can provide a more sophisticated tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is intelligent enough

Replaces "clever" with a more formal synonym, "intelligent", maintaining the same meaning.

is smart enough

Substitutes "clever" with "smart", a more informal synonym, slightly altering the tone.

has the intelligence to

Restructures the phrase to emphasize the possession of intelligence as a trait.

is bright enough

Uses "bright" as a synonym for "clever", implying quickness of mind.

is astute enough

Replaces "clever" with "astute", indicating shrewdness and insight.

is sharp enough

Conveys a sense of keenness and quick-wittedness.

is capable enough

Shifts the focus from intelligence to general ability or competence.

is ingenious enough

Implies a high level of creativity and inventiveness.

is skilled enough

Emphasizes proficiency in a particular skill or area.

is wise enough

Suggests a level of understanding and good judgment beyond mere intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "is clever enough" to indicate someone possesses the necessary intelligence or wit to handle a situation. For example: "She "is clever enough" to solve the puzzle."

What are some alternatives to "is clever enough"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is intelligent enough", "is smart enough", or "is astute enough". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "is clever enough" formal or informal?

"Is clever enough" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal options like "is sufficiently intelligent" may be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "is clever enough" and "is smart enough"?

While similar, "is smart enough" tends to be more informal and emphasizes quickness of mind. "Is clever enough" can imply a broader range of intelligence, including ingenuity and problem-solving skills.