so clever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so clever" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express admiration for someone's intelligence or creativity. Example: "Her solution to the problem was so clever that everyone was impressed." Alternative expressions include "very clever" and "extremely clever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So clever".

The New Yorker

Not so clever.

Independent

"You are so clever, Father.

The New Yorker

So clever, so easy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's so clever".

The New York Times

You are so clever.

The New York Times

"Dylan is so clever.

The Guardian - Film

He was so clever.

The Guardian - Books

"She was so clever at school.

The New Yorker

"Not so clever at biology," Roy said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The teacher told him not to be so clever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so clever" to express genuine admiration or surprise at someone's intelligence or a particularly insightful solution. Avoid overuse in contexts where simpler praise would suffice.

Common error

While "so clever" is acceptable, it can sound informal in academic or professional contexts. In formal situations, consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "remarkably ingenious" or "exceptionally intelligent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so clever" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to express admiration or acknowledgement of someone's intelligence or ingenuity. As shown by Ludwig, it often modifies a subject, indicating a high degree of skill or wit.

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, "so clever" is a versatile phrase used to express admiration or acknowledgement of someone's intelligence or ingenuity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While it is broadly acceptable, it's important to consider the context and formality of your writing, choosing more sophisticated alternatives like "remarkably ingenious" or "exceptionally intelligent" in formal settings. Use it judiciously to enhance your communication while maintaining appropriate tone and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally intelligent

Replaces "so clever" with a more formal adjective and emphasizes a high level of intelligence.

remarkably ingenious

Substitutes "so clever" with a phrase that highlights inventiveness and resourcefulness.

unusually astute

Replaces "so clever" by underlining a keen ability to assess situations and people.

highly perceptive

Expresses a similar idea of intelligence, but focusing on the ability to notice and understand things that many people do not.

particularly resourceful

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

incredibly sharp-witted

This alternative highlights the quickness and cleverness of one's mind, especially in responding to situations.

brilliantly insightful

Focuses on the depth and quality of understanding, indicating a capacity for profound insights.

noticeably canny

Suggests a shrewdness and practical intelligence that is easy to observe.

impressively adroit

Highlights skill and dexterity, especially in handling complex situations or tasks.

exceedingly shrewd

Implies a cleverness that is combined with an understanding of how to gain an advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "so clever" to express admiration for someone's intelligence or creativity. For example, "Her solution was "so clever", it solved the problem immediately."

What are some alternatives to "so clever"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "very clever", "extremely clever", or "remarkably ingenious".

Is it appropriate to use "so clever" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "so clever" can sound informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "exceptionally intelligent" or "highly perceptive" in academic or professional contexts.

What does "so clever" typically imply?

"So clever" usually implies admiration or surprise at someone's intelligence, wit, or ingenuity. It suggests that someone has demonstrated a noteworthy level of cognitive skill.