more clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more clever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two (or more) people or things in terms of cleverness. For example, "He is much more clever than his older brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's more clever than that.

The New York Times

Other officers are more clever.

The New York Times

More clever machines.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are a little more clever.

The New Yorker

The author must be even more clever.

The New York Times - Books

They're sharper and more clever than Newcastle.

The Guardian - Sport

No more clever talk from the top.

The New York Times - Sports

"More clever man-management from M Wenger".

The Guardian - Sport

Advertising has become more clever and invasive.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We became more professional, more clever," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted to make something more sophisticated, more clever".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more clever" when comparing two or more entities in terms of their intelligence, ingenuity, or skill in problem-solving. Ensure the context clearly establishes what aspect of cleverness is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "more clever" in isolation without specifying what is being compared. Instead of saying "That was more clever", specify "That solution was more clever than the previous attempts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more clever" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a higher degree of cleverness relative to something else. Ludwig examples show it comparing strategies, people, and even operating systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more clever" is a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a higher degree of ingenuity or intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's a common phrase, ensure you provide a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "more intelligent" or "more astute" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember, clarity and context are key to effectively using "more clever" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more intelligent

Replaces "clever" with "intelligent", focusing on general mental capacity.

more astute

Suggests a sharper, more perceptive understanding.

more ingenious

Highlights inventiveness and resourcefulness.

more shrewd

Emphasizes practicality and good judgment.

more cunning

Implies a degree of craftiness or deception.

more resourceful

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

more inventive

Highlights creativity and the ability to create new solutions.

more insightful

Suggests a deeper understanding of situations or people.

more quick-witted

Emphasizes the speed and agility of one's mind.

more sharp-witted

Similar to "quick-witted" but with a stronger emphasis on keenness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "more clever" in a sentence?

Use "more clever" to compare the relative ingenuity or intelligence between two subjects or actions. For example, "This strategy is "more clever" than the old one".

What are some alternatives to using "more clever"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more intelligent", "more astute", or "more ingenious".

Is it grammatically correct to say "more cleverer"?

No, "more cleverer" is redundant and grammatically incorrect. The comparative form of "clever" is "more clever" or, less commonly, "cleverer", but not both. It's better to use "more clever".

What is the difference between "clever" and "smart" and when should I use "more clever" over "smarter"?

"Clever" often implies ingenuity and quick-wittedness, while "smart" suggests general intelligence or knowledge. Use "more clever" when highlighting the inventive or resourceful nature of something, rather than its overall intelligence. A "more clever" plan might be unexpectedly resourceful.