that was very clever of you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was very clever of you" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compliment someone on their intelligence or ingenuity in a particular situation. Example: "When you solved that complex problem in just a few minutes, I thought to myself, that was very clever of you."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That was very clever of Canongate," he murmurs.

The Guardian - Books

Oh, that's very clever.

The Guardian - Arts

I said: "That was very clever.

The New York Times

That's very clever.

Independent

He knew that and that was very, very clever".

The Guardian - Sport

I thought that was very real, very clever.

The New York Times

"And whoever spotted that 'Martianism' is an anagram of Martin Amis was very clever, but it is completely irrelevant.

The Guardian

'My father was very clever,' he says, full of pride.

The Guardian

It was very clever how they did that.

The New Yorker

His idea was very clever.

Yale University

"Warren was very clever.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was very clever of you" to sincerely compliment someone on their ingenuity or intelligence, especially when they've solved a problem or come up with a creative solution.

Common error

Avoid using "that was very clever of you" sarcastically, as it can easily be misinterpreted and damage rapport. Sarcasm is often lost in written communication; ensure your tone is clear if you intend to be humorous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was very clever of you" functions as a compliment, expressing admiration for someone's intelligence, ingenuity, or skill. Ludwig AI indicates it's usable in written English to acknowledge someone's cleverness.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was very clever of you" is a phrase used to compliment someone on their intelligence or ingenuity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While the phrase is straightforward in its meaning, it's important to consider the context and tone to avoid sarcasm. Alternatives like "that was a smart move on your part" or "you're quite ingenious" can add variety to your expressions of admiration. As a general best practice, use the phrase to genuinely acknowledge someone's cleverness, and be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was a smart move on your part

Emphasizes the strategic aspect of the action.

you're quite ingenious

Highlights the inventiveness and creativity of the person.

that's a very insightful observation

Focuses on the depth and understanding shown.

you've got a knack for that

Suggests a natural talent or aptitude.

how resourceful of you

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

you handled that brilliantly

Emphasizes the skillful execution of a task.

that was a stroke of genius

Implies an exceptionally clever or original idea.

you have a gift for that

Suggests an innate talent or ability.

that shows great acumen

Highlights the person's keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a situation.

you're a natural at that

Indicates that the person is naturally skilled at something.

FAQs

How can I use "that was very clever of you" in a sentence?

You can use "that was very clever of you" to express admiration when someone demonstrates intelligence or skill in a particular situation. For example, you might say, "Solving that puzzle so quickly? That was very clever of you."

What are some alternatives to saying "that was very clever of you"?

Alternatives include "that was a smart move on your part", "you're quite ingenious", or "that's a very insightful observation", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "that was very clever of you" in formal settings?

Yes, "that was very clever of you" can be appropriate in formal settings, especially when genuinely acknowledging someone's insightful contribution or problem-solving skills. However, consider the overall tone of the setting and ensure your delivery is sincere to avoid any misinterpretation.

When is it best to avoid using "that was very clever of you"?

Avoid using "that was very clever of you" sarcastically or condescendingly. Also, be mindful of using it excessively, as it can lose its impact. Instead, vary your expressions of admiration with other phrases like "you handled that brilliantly" or "that shows great acumen".