not particularly clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not particularly clever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that lacks intelligence or wit, often in a mild or understated manner. Example: "The joke was not particularly clever, and most of the audience just smiled politely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was not particularly clever word play, but the players were amused.

The New York Times - Sports

Though he may have been ambitious, however, he was not particularly clever.

The Economist

I'm not particularly clever, nor brilliant nor insightful but I don't need to have kids to tell me that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They're not particularly clever, but they're a nice nod to series fans, and are at least funnier than the occasional joke based on stereotypes like the lovelorn or lonely "nerd".

The Guardian - Tech

I am not particularly clever, and first and foremost I do not like to strain my intelligence overmuch.... Assuredly there exists in your extensive institution, which I imagine to be overflowing with main and subsidiary functions and offices, work of the kind that one can do as in a dream?

The New Yorker

That prompted a fierce denunciation from Mark Salter, one of Mr. McCain's senior advisers, who said in a statement: "First, let us be clear about the nature of Senator Obama's attack today: He used the words 'losing his bearings' intentionally, a not particularly clever way of raising John McCain's age as an issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I knew I wasn't particularly clever but that didn't stop me wanting to know and understand more.

The Guardian - Opinion

While this pun isn't particularly clever or funny, it is fun for fans of the games to catch such references throughout the film, and it is emblematic of how "Doom" was made primarily for these fans, leaving everyone else to suffer through what is essentially a mindless action flick.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Based on a 2005 short by director Peter Lepeniotis, "The Nut Job" features decent CG animation, especially of animals, but the writing isn't particularly clever, relying on obvious puns and slapstick humor.

Los Angeles Times

The joke isn't particularly clever or original, and the two men, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, exhibit no ambition to transcend the simple, ancient gag of nerdy white guys rapping: "Yes, sometimes my lyrics are sexist / But you lovely bitches and hos should know I'm trying to correct this".

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, my favourite piece of internet fan art is a not-particularly clever pun that says "Beats By Deirdre" as she twinkles her eye next to a pair of expensive headphones.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not particularly clever" to politely downplay someone's intelligence or the ingenuity of an idea without being overly harsh. It's a useful phrase for offering constructive criticism.

Common error

While versatile, using "not particularly clever" excessively in formal writing or professional settings can sound dismissive. Opt for more nuanced language when addressing sensitive topics or providing feedback to colleagues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not particularly clever" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a quality of lacking intelligence or ingenuity. It's used to soften a negative assessment, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not particularly clever" is a grammatically correct and usable adjectival phrase that conveys a lack of intelligence or ingenuity in a mild or understated manner. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the frequency of the phrase may be considered uncommon, it is found in several authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. For more formal situations, alternative phrases like "of limited intellect" or "lacking in intellectual prowess" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not exceptionally bright

Replaces "clever" with "bright" and "particularly" with "exceptionally", focusing on a general lack of intelligence.

not notably intelligent

Substitutes "clever" with "intelligent" and "particularly" with "notably", emphasizing a lack of marked intellect.

not especially astute

Replaces "clever" with "astute" and "particularly" with "especially", highlighting a lack of sharp insight.

somewhat unintelligent

Uses a simpler term, "unintelligent", and "somewhat" to soften the judgment.

rather dull-witted

Employs the term "dull-witted" to suggest a lack of mental sharpness, using "rather" as a qualifier.

a bit slow on the uptake

An idiomatic expression indicating someone who is slow to understand.

not remarkably perceptive

Replaces "clever" with "perceptive" and "particularly" with "remarkably", focusing on a lack of keen observation.

of limited intellect

Indicates a restricted mental capacity, using more formal language.

possessing moderate mental acuity

Suggests an average level of mental sharpness, lacking exceptional qualities.

not known for intellectual prowess

Emphasizes a lack of reputation for strong intellectual capabilities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not particularly clever" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "of limited intellect" or "lacking in intellectual prowess" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What are some informal alternatives to "not particularly clever"?

For more casual situations, consider using phrases such as "a bit slow on the uptake" or "somewhat unintelligent" to express the same idea in a relaxed manner.

Is "not particularly clever" appropriate for describing an idea?

Yes, "not particularly clever" can be used to describe an idea or plan that lacks ingenuity or originality. For example, "The strategy was "not particularly clever", but it was effective."

Which is more appropriate, "not particularly clever" or "not very clever"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Not particularly clever" might sound slightly more polite or understated than "not very clever", but the difference is minimal.