very crafty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very crafty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is skilled at achieving their goals through cleverness or deceit. Example: "The magician was very crafty, using misdirection to amaze the audience with his tricks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

He's very crafty".

The New York Times - Sports

Very crafty, Mr. Gerroll.

The New York Times

No, but I was always very crafty.

The New York Times

Opposite Peppers, Israel Idonije is a very crafty and versatile force.

The New York Times

"Take notice of safe: the slippery are very crafty" reads the first one.

The New York Times

The paparazzi are there every day, but you likely won't notice them because they're very crafty.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"They get really crafty, very home oriented, very do-it-yourself".

The New York Times

Are you real crafty?

TechCrunch

'Very crafty, very nippy, try him at fly-half.

The Guardian - Books

"It's going to be very tangible and crafty.

TechCrunch

These places are doing really creative crafty things and doing them very well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "very crafty", consider the context. It can imply admiration for their ingenuity or criticism for their manipulative nature. Choose alternatives to clarify the intended meaning.

Common error

While "very crafty" is acceptable, in formal writing or professional settings, using more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "astute", "resourceful", or "ingenious" can enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very crafty" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a quality or characteristic, indicating that someone or something possesses a high degree of cunning or skill in achieving a goal, often through indirect or deceptive means. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples to support this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very crafty" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes someone or something as highly skilled in achieving goals, often through cunning or clever means. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context, as it can carry both positive and negative connotations. When writing, remember to use it judiciously and explore synonyms like "highly cunning" or "extremely shrewd" to add precision and nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly cunning

Emphasizes skillful deception and strategic planning, often with a negative connotation.

extremely shrewd

Highlights astuteness and practical intelligence in dealing with situations.

remarkably ingenious

Stresses the inventiveness and cleverness in finding solutions.

exceptionally wily

Suggests deceptiveness and skill in outwitting others.

decidedly artful

Implies a refined and subtle approach to achieving a goal.

particularly astute

Focuses on keen awareness and understanding of situations.

quite resourceful

Emphasizes the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

masterfully manipulative

Highlights skill in influencing others, often for personal gain.

intensely clever

Emphasizes a high degree of intelligence and quick-wittedness.

highly skillful

Focuses on expertise and competence in a particular area, where skills have to be manually developed.

FAQs

How can I use "very crafty" in a sentence?

You can use "very crafty" to describe someone skilled at achieving their goals through cleverness or deception. For instance, "The politician was "very crafty" in navigating the negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "very crafty"?

Alternatives include "highly cunning", "extremely shrewd", or "remarkably ingenious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "crafty" or "very crafty"?

Both are acceptable, but "very crafty" intensifies the adjective, emphasizing the degree of cleverness or cunning. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.

What's the connotation of "very crafty"?

The connotation can be both positive (admiring cleverness and resourcefulness) and negative (implying manipulation and deception). Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.