not very clever

USAGE SUMMARY

"not very clever" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who has done or said something foolish or unwise, like this: "John thought it would be a good idea to throw a bucket of water over his boss - not very clever!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

'Not very clever, is it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am an intellectual, but at the same time I am not very clever".

Independent

"I am told that to include Greece is economically not very clever," Le Pillouër smiles.

The Guardian

Andrew Billen in the Times said it wasn't subtle, and not very clever either.

The Guardian

"It's a very easy and not very clever criticism, I think," he shrugs.

The Guardian - Film

Italy's millennial tangle France's strangely likeable government Oh no, not again Not very clever Priestly paranoia Reprints.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"That wasn't very clever".

The Guardian

My answer wasn't very clever.

The New York Times

That isn't very clever, given how much America has to borrow from abroad.

The Economist

It was, therefore, widely assumed that birds aren't very clever creatures, but recently this has started to change.

The Guardian

In the second, last week, he, at times, seemed to be reciting sound bites that he had rehearsed, and which weren't very clever.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "not very clever", consider the context and audience. While generally acceptable, it can sometimes come across as condescending. Opt for a more nuanced expression if the situation calls for it.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "not very clever". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and simplistic. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very clever" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to describe a quality or characteristic of someone or something, indicating a lack of intelligence, wisdom, or good judgment, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not very clever" is a common adjectival phrase used to express a lack of intelligence or good judgment. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and audience, as it can sometimes come across as condescending. To avoid repetition, synonyms like "not very bright" or "a bit dim" can be used. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of this phrase allows for more effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly clever

Replaces "very" with "particularly", slightly emphasizing the lack of cleverness.

not especially clever

Substitutes "very" with "especially", conveying a similar degree of lack of cleverness.

not all that clever

Uses "all that" to express a similar level of diminished cleverness.

somewhat lacking in cleverness

Formal rephrasing emphasizing a deficiency in cleverness.

a bit dim

Informal expression implying a lack of intelligence.

not the sharpest tool in the shed

Idiomatic expression suggesting a lack of intelligence.

slightly unintelligent

More direct and less nuanced way of expressing a lack of intelligence.

rather unwise

Shifts the focus to the lack of wisdom rather than pure intelligence.

not known for their intellect

A more roundabout way of saying someone isn't intelligent.

exhibiting poor judgment

Focuses on the consequences of a lack of cleverness, highlighting bad decisions.

FAQs

What does "not very clever" mean?

The phrase "not very clever" means lacking intelligence, wisdom, or good judgment. It suggests that someone has made a mistake or demonstrated a lack of understanding.

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

You can use "not very clever" to describe an action, decision, or person that you consider to be unwise or unintelligent. For example, "It was "not very clever" of him to invest all his money in that risky venture."

What are some alternatives to saying "not very clever"?

You can use alternatives like "not very bright", "somewhat lacking in cleverness", or "a bit dim" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "not very clever" a formal or informal expression?

"Not very clever" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly informal expression. It is suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but may not be appropriate for highly formal or academic contexts. Using "somewhat lacking in cleverness" may be more appropriate in formal settings.