reasonably clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably clever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that demonstrates a moderate level of cleverness or intelligence. Example: "Her solution to the problem was reasonably clever, showing that she had put thought into it without being overly complex."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For humour you have to be reasonably clever.

The Guardian - Sport

For brief periods, any reasonably clever sociopath can act with saintlike niceness for his own manipulative purposes.

The New York Times - Books

It has a reasonably clever script, some good acting and characters about whom it is possible to care, however outlandish their circumstances may be.

The New York Times

Fan speculation on bleedingcool.com, a news, rumor and gossip site, was immediate and included the usual ("Is Batman finally finding the way out of the closet?") and the reasonably clever ("Martian MANHUNTER").

The New York Times

The labors of the cast help to make "The Debt" a compact, reasonably clever and sometimes piquant entertainment, but they also make you aware that it could have been more.

The New York Times

Still, to his credit, Mr. Field is a prolific and reasonably clever double-entendrist as well as a gleeful vulgarian, and there are moments when anyone but a Puritan might be forced to yield to a giggle and a blush.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Pretty clever.

Forbes

The three debates produced three different Al Gores the snarling clever-dick, the polite pushover and, finally, the reasonably polite clever-dick.

The Economist

They all offer more or less the same thing: a bunch of clever, reasonably well-trained analytical people wearing pin-striped suits and using a problem-solving approach to make recommendations about general management problems.

Harvard Business Review

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, developed by Sucker Punch, flouts this convention with a reasonably cogent story and some clever dialogue.

The New York Times - Tech

While sound gets short shrift, a number of clever and (usually) reasonably priced audio products are worth considering for an innovative gift this year.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonably clever" when you want to convey that something or someone possesses a moderate amount of ingenuity or intelligence, without being exceptionally brilliant. It's suitable for scenarios where something is more than just adequate but not remarkably outstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably clever" when describing truly exceptional brilliance. If something is genuinely ingenious, opt for stronger terms like "brilliant", "genius", or "exceptionally clever" to accurately reflect its high level of intelligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably clever" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a moderate level of intelligence or ingenuity. It is used to indicate that something or someone is more than adequately intelligent but not exceptionally brilliant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reasonably clever" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a moderate level of intelligence or ingenuity. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage. It finds its primary use in news and media contexts and its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. While not indicating exceptional brilliance, "reasonably clever" effectively conveys a balanced assessment of competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately intelligent

Focuses on the level of intelligence, replacing "clever" with a more direct synonym.

fairly astute

Highlights the person's ability to notice and understand things clearly, swapping "clever" for a different aspect of intelligence.

somewhat ingenious

Emphasizes the inventiveness or originality, offering a more creative angle on "clever".

passably bright

Implies an acceptable level of intelligence, suitable for basic understanding.

adequately smart

Focuses on the sufficiency of intelligence for a particular purpose, a less enthusiastic evaluation.

noticeably sharp

Highlights the quickness of intellect, suggesting someone is perceptive.

decidedly witty

Shifts the focus to humor and quick, intelligent remarks.

subtly cunning

Indicates a degree of craftiness or guile, introducing a potentially negative connotation.

mildly resourceful

Suggests an ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

ordinarily insightful

Emphasizes the depth of understanding, but implies it is not exceptional.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonably clever" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonably clever" to describe someone or something that demonstrates a moderate level of intelligence or ingenuity. For instance, "Her solution to the problem was reasonably clever, showing that she had put thought into it without being overly complex."

What are some alternatives to "reasonably clever"?

You can use alternatives like "moderately intelligent", "fairly astute", or "somewhat ingenious", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "reasonably clever" or "very clever"?

The choice between "reasonably clever" and "very clever" depends on the degree of ingenuity you want to convey. "Reasonably clever" suggests a moderate level, while "very clever" implies a higher degree of intelligence or ingenuity.

What's the difference between "reasonably clever" and "mildly resourceful"?

"Reasonably clever" generally refers to intelligence or ingenuity in thinking or problem-solving. "Mildly resourceful", on the other hand, suggests an ability to find practical solutions or to make do with what is available, implying more practicality than pure intellect.