not so clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not so clever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is perceived as lacking intelligence or wit, often in a mild or humorous way. Example: "His attempt at a joke was not so clever, and it fell flat with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The New Yorker

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Not so clever.

Independent

"Not so clever at biology," Roy said.

The New Yorker

I know I am not so clever.

The New Yorker

But brinkmanship is not so clever if you step beyond the brink.

The Economist

The energetic barkeep who claimed authorship grinned: "I'm not so clever.

The New Yorker

Flat-track bullies indeed, but not so clever against the well-directed short-pitched stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

(Maybe those textbook falsecards aren't so clever).

The New York Times

The Flower Power isn't so clever as to know what's living in your pot alongside it, so you'll have to search its database.

The Guardian - Tech

The topic was fresher when Southern tackled it, and like that comic touchstone, Mr. Rich's novel is largely episodic and digressive, all of which would be more bothersome if the individual bits weren't so clever and fun.

The New York Times - Books

We found out earlier this year that our "secret" and clever alphabet-filled convos weren't so clever anymore.

Huffington Post

Most reported UFOs turn out to be simply misunderstood objects, while others have been, sadly, created by clever (and not-so clever) computer-generated manipulators.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so clever" to express mild disapproval or amusement at someone's mistake or lack of intelligence, rather than direct criticism. It is often more polite and less confrontational.

Common error

Avoid using "not so clever" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct and professional language to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so clever" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a lack of intelligence or skill. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically expresses a subjective assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

The New Yorker

12%

The Guardian

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not so clever" is a commonly used adjectival phrase to express a lack of intelligence or skill, often with a tone of mild disapproval or amusement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "not very bright" or "a bit foolish" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not very bright

Emphasizes a general lack of intelligence or understanding.

not particularly intelligent

Formally expresses a lack of notable intelligence.

less than brilliant

Understates a lack of exceptional intelligence or talent.

somewhat unwise

Focuses on the lack of good judgment or wisdom.

a bit foolish

Highlights the silliness or lack of sense in an action or idea.

not remarkably astute

Highlights a lack of keen observation or discernment.

rather short-sighted

Indicates a lack of planning or foresight.

not the sharpest tool in the shed

An idiomatic expression implying a lack of intelligence.

demonstrating poor judgement

Focuses on bad decisions or a lack of discretion.

lacking in perspicacity

Formally denotes a deficiency in understanding or insight.

FAQs

How can I use "not so clever" in a sentence?

You can use "not so clever" to describe actions or ideas you find somewhat foolish or unwise. For instance, "Investing all your savings in a single stock was "not so clever"".

What phrases are similar to "not so clever"?

Alternatives include "not very bright", "a bit foolish", or "somewhat unwise". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "not so clever" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not so clever" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. Formal writing might benefit from more direct and professional alternatives.

What's the difference between "not so clever" and "not very clever"?

The difference is subtle; both phrases indicate a lack of intelligence, but "not so clever" can sometimes imply mild amusement or irony, whereas "not very clever" is a more straightforward assessment.