that was ingenious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was ingenious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express admiration for someone's cleverness or creativity in a particular situation or idea. Example: "The way she solved the problem in such a unique manner? That was ingenious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There he teamed up with the investment writer James K. Glassman to write a couple of articles in The Wall Street Journal, followed up by a book expanding on those articles entitled "Dow 36,000" -- a catchy title backed up by a thesis that was ingenious, exciting and unfortunately quite silly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Minute to Win It," on NBC on Wednesday nights this summer, is a throwback to old-time game shows like "Beat the Clock" that were ingenious in their simplicity.

The New York Times - Arts

A concise, often changing à-la-carte menu (there is also a sixty-five-dollar tasting-menu option) features bar snacks that are ingenious refinements of junk food.

The New Yorker

That's ingenious too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think that's ingenious on so many levels.

Vice

For a moment, it seemed that General Motors was ingenious for buying AM General and expanding the Hummer lineup.

Forbes

D.O.A., American film noir, released in 1950, that was noted for its ingenious plot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What it doesn't have is the art that was taken by those ingenious and mean-minded criminals all those years ago.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Powell is also developing a voice of his own, heard most clearly in an inventive section of duets in "Lambarena," a work that was set to an ingenious blend of Bach and Gabonese music.

The New York Times - Arts

This has been a study that was completely innovative and ingenious in its construction and remarkable in the perseverance of its follow-up.

British Journal of Cancer

Roberval applied this idea to several different kinematic curves, obtaining results that were often ingenious and elegant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to decide if a more common synonym like "brilliant" or "clever" would be more appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "that was ingenious" sarcastically unless your intent is very clear. Sarcasm can be easily missed in writing, leading to misinterpretation and damaging your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was ingenious" functions as an evaluative statement, typically used to express approval or admiration for something that is perceived as exceptionally clever, creative, or inventive. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was ingenious" is a phrase used to express admiration for something clever and inventive. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various writing contexts. While "ingenious" itself is a sophisticated term, the phrase maintains a generally neutral tone, suitable for both formal and informal situations. When using "that was ingenious", ensure that the context warrants a genuine compliment, and avoid sarcastic uses unless your intention is explicitly clear. Consider similar phrases such as "that was brilliant" or "that was very clever" for alternative ways to express your admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was brilliant

Uses a more common synonym for ingenious.

that was very clever

Replaces "ingenious" with a more straightforward term.

that was remarkably inventive

Emphasizes the creativity involved.

that was exceptionally resourceful

Highlights the ability to overcome challenges.

that showed great ingenuity

Shifts the focus to the quality of ingenuity.

that was an inspired solution

Focuses on the solution as being ingenious.

that was a stroke of genius

Implies a sudden and brilliant idea.

that was pure brilliance

Highlights the quality of brilliance.

that was impressively creative

Focuses on the creative aspect.

that was remarkably innovative

Highlights the novelty and originality.

FAQs

How can I use "that was ingenious" in a sentence?

You can use "that was ingenious" to express admiration for a clever idea or solution. For instance, "The way she solved the problem with such a unique approach? That was ingenious".

What are some alternatives to saying "that was ingenious"?

You can use alternatives such as "that was brilliant", "that was very clever", or "that showed great ingenuity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that was ingenious" formal or informal?

"That was ingenious" falls somewhere in the middle. While "ingenious" is a sophisticated word, the overall phrase is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. Consider your audience and the specific situation to choose the perfect wording.

What does "ingenious" really mean?

Ingenious means clever, original, and inventive. When you say "that was ingenious", you are complimenting someone's creative and intelligent approach to a problem or idea.