very ingenious

USAGE SUMMARY

"very ingenious" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person, plan, or idea as being particularly clever or inventive. For example: "Her solution to the problem was very ingenious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Very ingenious".

The New York Times - Books

"It's very ingenious.

The New York Times - Science

"It was a very ingenious suburban strategy," said Mr. Fields.

The New York Times

I had never seen anyone dry lettuce like that before; I thought it was very ingenious".

The New York Times

Yet it is also very big, and man is very ingenious.

The Economist

The methods of getting the maps through to the prisoners of war were very ingenious.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Trying to stage this show with just five actors and a three-piece band might have given some paws for thought, but with a little help from more than 100 community knitters, some very clever doubling, and Katie Sykes' ingenious, light-touch design, Cookson pulls it off in style.

The Guardian

She was a very classy, ingenious, brilliant lady, and I was a problem at times.

The New York Times - Magazine

"His experiments are characterized by innovative and very often ingenious approaches to study some of the most important questions in cellular neuroscience," Feller said.

University of California, Berkeley

The plot was "very, very bold, ingenious and well thought out," according to Gary J. Hilton, assistant corrections commissioner, who said that six inmates had been identified as plotters and placed in segregated cells.

The New York Times

The E flat Quartet from Opus 33 earns its title "The Joke" from the prank played at its very end: an ingenious skit full of uncomfortable silences and thematic trickery.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very ingenious" when you want to emphasize the high level of cleverness or inventiveness associated with a plan, idea, or person. It conveys a strong sense of admiration for the creativity displayed.

Common error

While "very ingenious" is widely accepted, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using synonyms like "demonstrably ingenious" or "exceptionally clever" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very ingenious" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe it as highly clever, inventive, or resourceful. As noted by Ludwig AI, this usage is both valid and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very ingenious" is a frequently used and grammatically sound adjective phrase that amplifies the description of something as highly clever or inventive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. While versatile, its register is generally neutral, leaning towards professional, making it suitable for a range of contexts, from news articles to scientific discussions. For more formal academic settings, synonyms like "demonstrably ingenious" or "exceptionally clever" may provide a more sophisticated tone. The phrase is primarily used to express admiration or approval for the creativity and effectiveness of a solution, design, or strategy. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrably ingenious

Highlights the clear and obvious cleverness of something.

exceptionally clever

This highlights a high degree of intelligence and quick-wittedness.

brilliantly innovative

This phrase accentuates groundbreaking and highly effective approaches.

remarkably inventive

This stresses the capacity for creating new and imaginative solutions.

highly resourceful

This alternative emphasizes the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

strikingly creative

Focuses on the ability to produce original and imaginative ideas.

particularly astute

This underlines keen intelligence and an ability to notice and understand things clearly.

extremely sharp-witted

Describes someone who is quick and intelligent in their responses.

awfully cunning

This emphasizes skill in achieving goals through deception or evasion.

deceptively simple

This suggests an idea or solution that is ingenious because of its apparent simplicity.

FAQs

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

You can use "very ingenious" to describe something clever or inventive. For example, "The solution was "very ingenious", solving the problem efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "very ingenious"?

Alternatives include "highly resourceful", "exceptionally clever", or "remarkably inventive", each adding a slightly different nuance to the description.

Is "very ingenious" too informal for academic writing?

While acceptable, it might be perceived as slightly informal in academic contexts. Consider more formal synonyms like "demonstrably ingenious" or "particularly astute" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What makes something "very ingenious" as opposed to simply "ingenious"?

Adding "very" amplifies the degree of cleverness or inventiveness. Something that is "very ingenious" demonstrates a particularly high level of creativity and effectiveness compared to something that is simply "ingenious".