try to be clever

USAGE SUMMARY

"try to be clever" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that someone is attempting to act or speak in a clever or witty manner. For example, "He tried to be clever and ended up saying something foolish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

We can't help but overthink and try to be clever.

The Guardian

When the journalist asked for advice, Lucian said something slightly eerie: "Don't try to be clever.

The New Yorker

When somebody offers you material there's a big temptation to try to be clever and take it on your terms.

The Guardian - Sport

"Every time I've watched Republicans try to be clever with Democrats on issues of taxation," Mr. Gingrich said last week, "Democrats have won".

The New York Times

She told a student of hers that the story he had written was too clever — don't try to be clever, she said.

The New Yorker

"I gave up all ambition, I didn't try to be clever or anything: I just tried to write as fast as I could".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Don't try to be clever--keep your resume straight and to the point.

Forbes

Maybe I was trying to be clever.

The Guardian - Books

"I was young, daft and trying to be clever".

The Guardian

"Youíre just trying to be clever,"she says.

The New Yorker

I'm not trying to be clever, just asking the questions.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using the phrase "try to be clever". Overly forced cleverness can be off-putting or misunderstood.

Common error

Avoid straining to "try to be clever" at the expense of clarity or genuine communication. Authenticity often resonates more than contrived wit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to be clever" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing intention or attempt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly correct in written English. It describes the act of attempting to display intelligence or wit, whether successfully or not.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

15%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to be clever" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to describe an attempt to display intelligence or wit. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use. While generally neutral in register, it can carry a slightly critical connotation, suggesting that the attempt at cleverness may be forced or misapplied. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to consider audience and context to ensure that the attempt at cleverness is well-received and doesn't detract from genuine communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to be clever

Adds emphasis on the effort involved in being clever.

endeavor to be smart

Implies a dedicated effort towards intelligence.

attempt to be witty

Focuses specifically on trying to be humorous or amusing.

strive for ingenuity

Emphasizes effort and a higher level of inventiveness.

attempt to be ingenious

Emphasizes inventiveness and resourcefulness.

aim for brilliance

Suggests a goal of exceptional intelligence or skill.

seek to be astute

Highlights the pursuit of shrewdness and insight.

aspire to be intelligent

Suggests a long-term goal of developing intelligence.

try to show off

Indicates an attempt to impress others with one's abilities, potentially negatively.

try to be cunning

Focuses on achieving goals through deception or shrewdness, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "try to be clever" in a sentence?

You can use "try to be clever" to describe someone's attempt to display intelligence or wit, as in "He always had to "try to be clever" in class, even when it wasn't appropriate".

What is the difference between "try to be clever" and "try to be smart"?

"Try to be clever" suggests an attempt to be witty or inventive, while "try to be smart" implies an effort to be intelligent or wise. The former often focuses on style, the latter on substance.

What are some alternatives to "try to be clever"?

Alternatives include "attempt to be witty", "strive for ingenuity", or "aim for brilliance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always a good thing to "try to be clever"?

Not necessarily. While cleverness can be appreciated, it's important to balance it with sincerity and appropriateness. Overdoing it can come across as pretentious or insincere. Sometimes it is more helpful to simply "try to be responsive".