more clever than

USAGE SUMMARY

"more clever than" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to compare the level of cleverness between two subjects. Example: Sally's strategy was more clever than John's, as it managed to secure a higher profit margin in a shorter amount of time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He's more clever than that.

The New York Times

They're sharper and more clever than Newcastle.

The Guardian - Sport

(Chance is "more clever than I," he has said).

The New Yorker

The effect is more clever than engaging, though.

The Guardian

Far more clever than they're given credit for.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This puzzle is more clever than profound, although reasons for thinking it meaningful might be conceived.

The New York Times - Arts

Telly addicts may have been a good deal more clever than the DVD makers think.

The Economist

It's not such a major achievement to be more clever than hip-hop's many other raunchmongers.

The New York Times - Arts

The Grafton is a textbook boutique hotel, oozing amusing details more clever than costly.

The New York Times - Travel

Our lyrics are a little more clever than this particular band would've come up with.

The Guardian - Music

Be more clever than that".' Now that they are teammates, the ribbing goes both ways.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing intelligence, consider if "clever" accurately reflects the type of intelligence. "Clever" often implies quick-wittedness or ingenuity, rather than deep knowledge or wisdom.

Common error

While "clever" is widely understood, in formal or academic writing, using more precise terms like "astute", "ingenious", or "intelligent" can provide greater clarity and sophistication. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more clever than" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one subject possesses a higher degree of cleverness compared to another. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in comparing skills, strategies, or characteristics. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more clever than" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase that highlights a difference in ingenuity or resourcefulness between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted in written English and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in many situations, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as more precise terms like "more astute", "more ingenious", or "more intelligent" may be more appropriate in formal writing. Using "more clever than" effectively involves understanding its subtle connotations and choosing the best phrase to accurately represent the kind of intelligence you're describing. Ludwig provides numerous examples to guide appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smarter than

Focuses more directly on general intelligence.

more intelligent than

Emphasizes a higher level of intellectual capacity.

more astute than

Highlights sharpness and the ability to notice and understand things clearly.

more ingenious than

Stresses inventiveness and resourcefulness.

more cunning than

Suggests a level of craftiness and strategic thinking, sometimes with a negative connotation.

more shrewd than

Implies practical intelligence and good judgment.

more adroit than

Highlights skill and dexterity, both mental and physical.

more perceptive than

Focuses on the ability to understand people and situations accurately.

wiser than

Highlights good judgment and experience.

more resourceful than

Emphasis on ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

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

The phrase "more clever than" is used to compare the cleverness of two subjects. For example, "Her solution was "more clever than" his, as it addressed the problem with greater efficiency and originality".

What are some alternatives to "more clever than"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "smarter than", "more astute than", or "more ingenious than". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the word "clever"?

While "clever" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes imply a focus on quick-wittedness rather than deeper intelligence. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives that reflect the specific type of intelligence you wish to emphasize, like "more intelligent than" or "more shrewd than".

What's the difference between "more clever than" and "more intelligent than"?

"More clever than" often suggests quick-wittedness and ingenuity, while "more intelligent than" implies a broader and deeper intellectual capacity. Use "more clever than" when highlighting resourcefulness and quick thinking, and "more intelligent than" when referring to overall intellectual ability.