it was clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It was clever" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in many contexts, for example when you want to express that someone or something was clever or to describe something. Example sentence: Emily devised a clever solution to the problem; it was clever.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was clever and literate in its exploration of relationships.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But after reviewing the new Turn spot, she said it was "clever," not only in its execution but also in the buzz it is apt to create.

The New York Times

It was clever enough to find its way from computer to computer, searching out its prey.

BBC

It was clever, after all.

The Washington Post

It was clever – but specious.

The Guardian

"I thought it was clever".

The Guardian

Some of it was clever.

The New York Times - Arts

It was clever and compelling.

The Guardian

"He said it was clever, subtle, funny".

The New Yorker

In the beginning it was clever.

The New York Times

Van Gaal can claim it was clever management.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was clever" to acknowledge ingenuity or a smart solution. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "it was clever" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it was ingenious" or "it was astute" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was clever" serves as an evaluative statement, offering a positive assessment of an action, idea, or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it commonly describes management decisions, design choices, or strategic moves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was clever" is a versatile and commonly used expression for conveying approval of someone's ingenuity or smart thinking. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, you can enhance your writing by using synonyms such as "it was ingenious" or "it was astute" for more formal or nuanced situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was ingenious

Emphasizes inventive and original cleverness.

it was ingenious

Highlights inventive and original cleverness.

it was brilliant

Highlights exceptional cleverness and intelligence.

it was astute

Suggests keen awareness and shrewdness in addition to cleverness.

it was shrewd

Indicates practical cleverness and resourcefulness.

it was smart

A more general term for intelligence and quick-wittedness.

it was canny

Implies a degree of cleverness mixed with caution and practicality.

it was insightful

Highlights the depth of understanding behind the cleverness.

it was skillful

Emphasizes the dexterity and expertise involved.

it was adroit

Highlights cleverness with resourcefulness and skill.

FAQs

How can I use "it was clever" in a sentence?

You can use "it was clever" to describe a plan, solution, or action that demonstrates intelligence or ingenuity. For example, "The way she negotiated the deal, it was clever."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was clever"?

You can use alternatives like "it was ingenious", "it was brilliant", or "it was astute" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was clever" formal or informal?

"It was clever" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "it was astute" or "it was ingenious".

What does "it was clever" imply?

"It was clever" implies that someone or something demonstrated intelligence, resourcefulness, or ingenuity in a particular situation. It suggests that the action or idea was well-thought-out and effective.