more cleverly

USAGE SUMMARY

"more cleverly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two levels of cleverness, as in: "Jack solved the problem more cleverly than his sister."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Governments could use their spending power more cleverly, too.

The Economist

Have obscenities ever been used more cleverly in a novel?

The Guardian - Books

Dave Feldman's lighting reshapes the space onstage more cleverly.

The New York Times - Arts

He concedes that this could have been achieved "more cleverly".

The Guardian

It reduces the piece to something more cleverly academic than deeply imaginative.

The New York Times - Arts

Second time around, the film seemed more cleverly complex but also more calculating.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I can't think of a more moving, or more cleverly-told film, one which uses the whole lexicon of cinema so effectively.

The Guardian - Film

What's more, he cleverly avoided becoming a "flesh peddler".

The New Yorker

Alongside this intense relationship, there are many more characters cleverly intertwined, which gives the reader a deep insight into different aspects of the time.

The Guardian

But most of his accomplishments have been reached less through compromise — old-fashioned nonpartisanship — and more through cleverly aligning himself with the strongest proponents of a policy and either buying off its opponent with a political treat or, conversely, using brute political force, at times letting the courts adjudicate his actions.

The New York Times

After a successful 2012 with two more defences, Cleverly has raised his profile in America and plenty more attention is likely to folow.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two approaches or methods, use "more cleverly" to indicate which one demonstrates greater ingenuity or intelligence. For example: "The second solution addressed the problem /s/more+cleverly than the first".

Common error

Avoid using "more cleverly" when you simply mean "cleverly". "More cleverly" implies a comparison, so it's inappropriate to use it to describe a single action or idea without a point of reference. For example, instead of saying "He designed a /s/more+cleverly solution", say "He designed a "clever solution"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more cleverly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how an action is performed. It implies a comparison, suggesting a higher degree of ingenuity or skill compared to another action or method. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Arts

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more cleverly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to compare the ingenuity or skill with which actions are performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is generally suitable for neutral and formal contexts, with common usage in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that it is used in a comparative context, to avoid misuse. Alternatives such as "more intelligently" or "more shrewdly" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more intelligently

Emphasizes enhanced mental acuity and problem-solving skills.

more shrewdly

Focuses on astuteness and practical wisdom in achieving goals.

more astutely

Highlights keen perception and insightful judgment.

more ingeniously

Stresses creativity and inventiveness in finding solutions.

more skillfully

Emphasizes expertise and dexterity in execution.

with greater ingenuity

Rephrases the adverb as a prepositional phrase emphasizing resourcefulness.

in a more sophisticated manner

Highlights refinement and advanced techniques.

more resourcefully

Highlights the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

in a smarter way

Uses a simpler phrasing to convey enhanced intelligence.

more wisely

Indicates a higher degree of sound judgment and prudence.

FAQs

How can I use "more cleverly" in a sentence?

Use "more cleverly" to compare two actions or methods, indicating one is more ingenious than the other. For example: "She negotiated the deal /s/more+cleverly than I could have".

What is an alternative to saying "more cleverly"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more intelligently", "more astutely", or "more shrewdly" as alternatives to "more cleverly".

Is it correct to say "more clever" instead of "more cleverly"?

While "clever" can function as an adjective, "more cleverly" is an adverbial phrase used to modify a verb, indicating how something is done with greater ingenuity. "More clever" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "more cleverly" and "more intelligently"?

"More cleverly" implies ingenuity and resourcefulness, while "more intelligently" emphasizes intellectual capacity and understanding. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.