less clever

USAGE SUMMARY

"less clever" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe something or someone who is not quite as clever as something or someone else. For example: "My brother is less clever than me, but he still does well in school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That looks less clever after this week's ruling.

The Economist

Seven months on, the parrot looks less clever.

The Economist

This seems less clever than it did at the time.

The Economist

It seems less clever in today's economic doldrums.

The Economist

Some of the handouts were less clever, but more pointed.

The New York Times

West: "She pretended to be less clever than him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Tom is less clever than his sister, but moralistic.

The Guardian - Books

And UBS considered itself different from other big banks: more cautious but no less clever.

The New York Times

Like many a less clever unreliable narrator, Nick likes lies of omission.

The New York Times - Books

Having a disability does not make you less clever, though not everyone acknowledges it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's less clever-clever than Fantastic Playroom but no less sharp.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less clever", consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone. It's often better to use it when making comparisons or offering constructive criticism rather than direct insults.

Common error

While "less clever" is acceptable, overly relying on it in formal or academic writing can make your text seem informal. Opt for more precise or sophisticated language where appropriate, such as "less insightful" or "less astute."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less clever" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, typically used to describe something or someone as having a lower degree of intelligence or ingenuity compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Education

5%

Science

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less clever" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something or someone as not particularly intelligent or ingenious. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. While it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate, "less clever" provides a milder alternative to harsher terms. You can use phrases like "not as bright" or "not so smart". It's widely used in news, books, and general discourse, making it a versatile and useful phrase in various communication settings. Remember to avoid overuse in more formal writing, and instead consider phrases like "less insightful" or "less astute" to add greater sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not so smart

A more direct and common way to express a lack of intelligence.

less intelligent

A formal and direct way of saying someone is not very smart.

not as bright

Emphasizes a lack of intelligence or quick understanding.

not the sharpest

Suggests a lack of sharpness or intelligence.

not as astute

Emphasizes a lack of keenness or shrewdness.

not particularly bright

A polite way to suggest a lack of intelligence without being too harsh.

a bit slow

Indicates a slower pace of understanding or reaction time.

somewhat dense

Suggests a difficulty in understanding complex or subtle concepts.

a little slow on the uptake

Indicates a delay in understanding new information.

dim-witted

A more blunt and negative term for someone lacking intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "less clever" to compare the intelligence or ingenuity of two subjects, such as "This solution is "less clever" than the previous one" or "He is "less clever" than his sister, but he works harder".

What are some alternatives to saying "less clever"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "not as bright", "not so smart", or "less intelligent".

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "less clever" in a professional setting?

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. It's generally safer to use more tactful language, focusing on specific skills or areas for improvement rather than making a general statement about their intelligence. For instance, "He might need more training on that" is more appropriate than "He is "less clever"".

What's the difference between "less clever" and "unintelligent"?

"Less clever" is a milder way to describe someone who is not very smart, while "unintelligent" is a stronger, more direct term that could be considered offensive. "Less clever" implies a relative lack of ingenuity, whereas "unintelligent" suggests a more fundamental deficiency in cognitive ability.