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A2 adjective #1,500 가장 일반적인 16분 분량

clever

상위 1,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 clever 30초 만에

설명 clever in your Level:

When you are just beginning to learn English at the A1 level, discovering new adjectives is a very important part of your journey. The word clever is one of those fundamental building blocks that you will encounter early on. It is a fantastic word to describe someone who is quick to understand things, like a smart student in your classroom or a pet dog that learns tricks easily. At this stage, you do not need to worry about the complex nuances of the word, but rather focus on its basic meaning and how to use it in simple sentences. For example, you might say 'My friend is clever' or 'The clever cat caught the mouse.' These simple structures help you build confidence. As you practice, you will notice that clever is often used in stories, especially children's books, where animals are given human traits. The clever fox or the clever monkey are classic examples that make learning fun and memorable. Furthermore, understanding the pronunciation is key. It has two syllables: cle-ver. The stress is on the first syllable. Practicing this aloud will improve your speaking skills. You can also practice writing it in your notebook. Write it ten times and try to create your own sentences. Share these sentences with your teacher or language partner. They can help correct any mistakes. Remember, making mistakes is a natural part of learning. Every time you use the word clever, you are reinforcing your memory. You might also hear this word in basic English cartoons or beginner listening exercises. Pay attention to the context. Is the person solving a puzzle? Are they answering a question correctly? This context will help cement the meaning in your mind. In addition to describing people and animals, you can sometimes use it to describe an idea, like a 'clever plan', though this is slightly more advanced. For now, stick to describing people you know. Think of three people in your family. Are they clever? Write down why you think so. This personal connection makes the vocabulary stick. Also, try to learn its opposite, which is 'stupid' or 'slow', but remember to be polite when using negative words. Building a vocabulary web around the word clever will accelerate your A1 learning process significantly, giving you more tools to express your thoughts and observations in your new language.

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At the A2 level, your understanding of the word clever deepens significantly. You are no longer just using it in basic sentences; you are starting to understand how it fits into broader conversations and everyday situations. Clever means quick to learn and understand things, and at this stage, you can use it to describe not just people and animals, but also actions and ideas. For instance, you can say 'That was a clever idea' when a friend suggests a good solution to a problem. You will also learn to use it with adverbs to show the degree of cleverness, such as 'very clever' or 'quite clever'. This adds detail to your speech. A crucial grammar point at the A2 level is learning the comparative and superlative forms: cleverer and cleverest. You can now compare things, saying 'She is cleverer than her brother' or 'He is the cleverest student in the class'. This ability to compare is a major step forward in your language proficiency. You will also start noticing the word clever in more complex reading materials, like short news articles or graded readers. Pay attention to the prepositions that follow it. A very common structure is 'clever at', used when someone is good at a specific skill. For example, 'He is clever at math' or 'She is clever at drawing'. Memorizing these chunks of language (clever at + noun/gerund) will make your English sound much more natural. Listening practice is also vital. You might hear people use clever in everyday dialogues, perhaps complimenting someone's work or reacting to a surprising fact. Try to listen for the intonation. Sometimes, if someone says 'very clever' with a flat tone, they might be slightly annoyed or sarcastic, though understanding sarcasm is more of a B1/B2 skill. For now, focus on the positive, literal meaning. Practice writing short paragraphs about someone you admire, explaining why you think they are clever. Use examples of their actions to support your description. This practice will solidify your grasp of the word and its various applications. By mastering clever at the A2 level, you are building a strong foundation for more advanced vocabulary related to intelligence and problem-solving, preparing you for the next stages of your English learning journey.

Reaching the B1 level means you are becoming an independent user of English, and your use of the word clever should reflect this growing sophistication. At this stage, you understand that clever is not just a synonym for smart; it carries specific connotations of quick-wittedness, ingenuity, and practical problem-solving. You can confidently use it in a variety of contexts, from discussing academic achievements to analyzing characters in a movie. You are comfortable with structures like 'It was clever of him to do that', which allows you to comment on specific actions rather than just describing a person's general character. This structure is excellent for expressing opinions and giving feedback. Furthermore, at the B1 level, you should be actively expanding your vocabulary by learning synonyms and antonyms. You know that words like 'bright', 'sharp', and 'ingenious' are related to clever, and you can start choosing the most appropriate word for the situation. You also understand the difference between being clever and being wise, recognizing that cleverness is about speed and agility of thought, while wisdom is about experience and deep understanding. In your writing, such as essays or emails, you can use clever to describe strategies, designs, or solutions. For example, 'The company used a clever marketing strategy to increase sales.' This demonstrates your ability to apply the word to abstract concepts. Listening comprehension at this level involves picking up on nuances. You might hear clever used in a slightly negative or sarcastic way, such as 'Don't get clever with me,' which means 'don't be cheeky or disrespectful.' Recognizing these idiomatic uses is a key part of B1 progression. You should also be comfortable using clever in conditional sentences, like 'If he were more clever, he would have solved the puzzle by now.' Practice discussing different types of intelligence with your peers. Debate whether it is better to be clever or hardworking. These discussions will force you to use the word in complex, spontaneous sentences, solidifying your active command of the vocabulary. By the end of the B1 level, clever should be a highly flexible and frequently used tool in your linguistic arsenal, allowing you to express nuanced thoughts about human capability and ingenuity.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your mastery of the word clever is expected to be highly nuanced and contextually accurate. You are no longer just learning the definition; you are exploring the subtle shades of meaning and the cultural implications of the word. You understand that while clever generally denotes quick intelligence and ingenuity, it can also carry a hint of slyness or cunning, depending entirely on the context and tone of voice. For instance, describing a politician's maneuver as 'clever' might imply admiration for their strategic thinking, or it might suggest a slight distrust of their methods. This duality is crucial at the B2 level. You are also adept at using a wide range of collocations. You know that we talk about a 'clever trick', a 'clever disguise', or a 'clever manipulation'. These specific pairings show a deep familiarity with natural English phrasing. In your writing, whether it's a formal report or a creative story, you use clever to add precision. Instead of just saying a solution was 'good', you might describe it as an 'elegantly clever workaround'. You are also fully comfortable with the grammatical variations, effortlessly switching between attributive and predicative uses, and employing comparative and superlative forms without hesitation. Furthermore, you understand regional variations. You know that in British English, clever is often the default word where American English might use 'smart', and you are aware of British idioms like 'clever clogs' (someone who is irritatingly knowledgeable). In listening and reading, you can easily identify sarcasm. If a character in a novel makes a foolish mistake and another says, 'Well, that was a clever move,' you immediately grasp the ironic intent. To continue improving, challenge yourself to read complex texts, such as opinion pieces or literary critiques, and observe how professional writers employ the word. Practice using it in debates or presentations, perhaps discussing the ethical implications of 'clever' artificial intelligence or the difference between cleverness and true innovation. At this level, your goal is to use clever not just correctly, but elegantly, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of English vocabulary and its pragmatic applications in various social and professional contexts.

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Reaching the C1 advanced level signifies a near-native command of the English language, and your use of the word clever must reflect this profound depth of understanding. At this stage, you are acutely aware of the pragmatic and sociolinguistic dimensions of the word. You understand that clever is a double-edged sword; it can be the highest form of praise for intellectual agility or a subtle critique of superficiality or deceit. You navigate these nuances effortlessly. For example, you recognize that calling a piece of academic writing 'clever' might sometimes be a backhanded compliment, suggesting it is witty but perhaps lacking in profound substance or rigorous methodology. You are fluent in the extensive network of synonyms and related concepts, seamlessly choosing between 'astute', 'shrewd', 'ingenious', 'perspicacious', and 'clever' based on the exact micro-context of your discourse. Your grammatical deployment of the word is flawless and varied. You use complex structures such as 'Clever though she may be, she still lacks experience' (using inversion for emphasis) or 'It is not so much his knowledge as his clever manipulation of facts that makes him dangerous.' You are also intimately familiar with the etymology and historical usage of the word, understanding how its meaning has evolved from simply meaning 'handy' or 'dexterous' to its current intellectual connotation. In professional and academic environments, you use clever to describe sophisticated systems, elegant algorithms, or intricate legal arguments. You can engage in high-level debates about the nature of intelligence, distinguishing between cognitive cleverness and emotional intelligence. Your listening skills allow you to detect the faintest traces of irony, sarcasm, or condescension when the word is spoken. You understand idioms and colloquialisms deeply, knowing exactly when it is appropriate to use phrases like 'too clever by half' (meaning someone is overly confident in their own intelligence, often leading to their downfall). To maintain and refine this level, you should immerse yourself in high-level literature, political commentary, and philosophical texts, observing the precise and often manipulative ways in which language is used. Your goal at C1 is to wield the word clever with the precision of a scalpel, using it to dissect complex ideas and articulate sophisticated observations about human behavior and intellect.

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At the C2 proficiency level, your relationship with the word clever transcends mere vocabulary acquisition; it becomes an exercise in stylistic mastery and rhetorical precision. You possess an intuitive, native-like grasp of the word's complete semantic range, its historical resonance, and its subtle psychological implications. You understand that cleverness is a construct, and you can deconstruct its usage in various discourses. You recognize how clever is employed in literature to establish character archetypes—the clever fool, the clever villain, the clever detective—and you can analyze these tropes critically. In your own production, whether it be academic treatises, persuasive speeches, or creative writing, you deploy clever with deliberate intent. You might use it to subtly undermine an opponent's argument by characterizing it as 'merely clever rhetoric' rather than substantive truth. Conversely, you might use it to elevate a mundane observation into a profound insight by highlighting the 'clever interplay' of underlying factors. You are a master of register, knowing exactly when clever is too colloquial for a formal paper and when a more Latinate synonym like 'ingenious' or 'perspicacious' is required. Yet, you also know when the simple, Anglo-Saxon punch of 'clever' is the most effective stylistic choice. You are fully conversant with the most obscure idioms and literary allusions involving the word. You understand the sociolinguistic weight of the word in different English-speaking cultures, navigating the subtle differences in how cleverness is valued or viewed with suspicion in British, American, or Australian contexts. Your comprehension of spoken English is absolute; you can parse the exact meaning of clever from the speaker's micro-expressions, prosody, and the broader pragmatic context, instantly distinguishing between genuine admiration, gentle teasing, biting sarcasm, or veiled threat. At this pinnacle of language learning, your task is no longer to learn how to use the word, but to explore the limits of what the word can do. You use clever not just to describe the world, but to shape the listener's or reader's perception of it, demonstrating a profound and elegant command of the English language's expressive power.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

clever 30초 만에

Quick to learn and understand.
Good at solving problems.
Showing skill or original ideas.
Sometimes used to mean sly.

The adjective clever is a highly versatile and commonly used word in the English language, particularly when describing someone's cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, or general mental agility. At its core, being clever means having the capacity to learn, understand, and apply knowledge quickly and effectively. It is often associated with a certain sharpness of mind, an ability to see connections that others might miss, and a knack for finding ingenious solutions to complex problems. When we call someone clever, we are acknowledging their intellectual quickness and their practical intelligence. This word goes beyond mere book smarts; it encompasses a practical, often creative, application of intelligence. For instance, a clever person might not necessarily have the highest academic degrees, but they possess a street-smart, adaptable mindset that allows them to navigate challenging situations with ease. The concept of cleverness is deeply embedded in human culture and storytelling, often personified by characters who outwit their opponents through strategy and quick thinking rather than brute force.

Cognitive Agility: The ability to process information rapidly and make accurate deductions in real-time, often leading to surprising and effective outcomes.

The young student was incredibly clever, solving the complex math puzzle in mere seconds.

Furthermore, cleverness can manifest in various forms. It can be seen in the way a person uses language, such as making witty remarks or crafting persuasive arguments. It can be observed in physical tasks, like inventing a new tool or finding a more efficient way to complete a chore. In the animal kingdom, cleverness is often attributed to species that demonstrate advanced problem-solving abilities, such as crows using tools or octopuses escaping from enclosures. This broad applicability makes the word an essential part of a learner's vocabulary. Understanding the nuances of cleverness also involves recognizing its potential dual nature. While generally a positive trait, being too clever or using one's intelligence for deceptive purposes can cross into the territory of being cunning or sly. Therefore, context is crucial when using this word. A clever invention is universally praised, but a clever trick might be viewed with suspicion depending on the intent behind it.

Practical Intelligence: The application of mental skills to everyday situations, demonstrating resourcefulness and adaptability in overcoming obstacles.

She came up with a clever way to organize the chaotic filing system.

In literature and folklore, the clever character is a classic archetype. Think of the clever fox in Aesop's fables or the clever detective in mystery novels. These characters captivate audiences because they represent the triumph of intellect over adversity. When we describe someone as clever, we are often implicitly comparing them to these archetypes, recognizing their ability to navigate the world using their wits. The word itself has a pleasant, crisp sound, reflecting the sharp, quick nature of the trait it describes. As you continue to build your English vocabulary, mastering the use of clever will allow you to express a wide range of observations about the people, animals, and ideas you encounter. It is a word that conveys respect for intellectual capability and appreciation for ingenuity. Whether you are praising a child's quick learning, admiring a colleague's innovative solution, or enjoying a well-crafted joke, clever is the perfect adjective to capture that specific brand of mental sharpness.

Ingenuity: The quality of being clever, original, and inventive, often resulting in novel solutions or creations.

The engineer designed a clever mechanism to save energy.

It was a clever piece of marketing that boosted sales significantly.

He is a clever boy who always knows the right answer.

Using the word clever correctly involves understanding its grammatical functions and the various contexts in which it naturally fits. As an adjective, it primarily modifies nouns, describing people, animals, ideas, or actions. The most straightforward way to use it is in the attributive position, directly before the noun it modifies, such as in 'a clever student' or 'a clever plan'. This structure immediately assigns the quality of quick-wittedness or ingenuity to the subject. Alternatively, it can be used in the predicative position, following a linking verb like 'is', 'seems', or 'appears'. For example, 'The student is clever' or 'That idea seems clever'. Both structures are fundamental and widely used in everyday English. When you want to emphasize the degree of cleverness, you can use adverbs of degree before the adjective. Words like 'very', 'extremely', 'quite', or 'rather' are excellent companions for clever. Saying someone is 'extremely clever' highlights an exceptional level of intelligence, while 'quite clever' might suggest a pleasant surprise at someone's ingenuity.

Attributive Use: Placing the adjective directly before the noun to describe its inherent quality.

She gave a clever answer to the difficult question.

Another common grammatical structure involves using clever with an infinitive verb phrase. This is often formatted as 'It is clever of [someone] to [do something]'. For instance, 'It was clever of you to bring an umbrella' implies that bringing the umbrella was a smart, forward-thinking action. This structure is particularly useful for complimenting someone's specific action or decision. Furthermore, clever can be followed by the preposition 'at' to indicate a specific area of skill or expertise. If someone is 'clever at mathematics' or 'clever at fixing things', it means they possess a natural aptitude and quick understanding in those particular domains. It is important to note that while 'clever at' is common, 'clever with' is also used when referring to physical tools or hands, such as 'clever with his hands' or 'clever with a paintbrush'. Understanding these prepositional collocations will make your English sound much more natural and fluent.

Predicative Use: Placing the adjective after a linking verb to describe the subject of the sentence.

The dog is very clever and learns tricks easily.

When comparing levels of cleverness, you use the comparative form 'cleverer' and the superlative form 'cleverest'. While 'more clever' and 'most clever' are also grammatically acceptable and frequently used, especially in modern English, the one-word forms are traditional and widely understood. For example, 'She is the cleverest student in the class' or 'This puzzle is cleverer than the last one'. In negative constructions, you simply use 'not clever', as in 'It was not a very clever thing to do'. This often serves as a mild criticism or a polite way of saying something was foolish. Additionally, the word can be used sarcastically. If someone makes an obvious mistake, another person might say, 'Well, that was clever,' meaning the exact opposite. Recognizing this sarcastic tone relies heavily on context and the speaker's intonation. Mastering these various applications—from direct descriptions to prepositional phrases, comparisons, and even sarcasm—will give you a comprehensive command of this essential adjective.

Infinitive Structure: Using 'clever of someone to do something' to praise a specific action.

It was clever of him to find the hidden key.

She is clever at finding cheap flights online.

He is the cleverest person I know.

The word clever is ubiquitous in English, appearing across a vast array of contexts, from casual daily conversations to formal academic writing. In everyday life, you will frequently hear it used by parents and teachers praising children. When a child learns a new skill, solves a puzzle, or says something surprisingly insightful, adults often respond with, 'What a clever boy!' or 'That's very clever of you.' This positive reinforcement highlights the word's association with learning and development. Similarly, in educational settings, teachers use it to describe students who grasp concepts quickly or produce innovative work. A teacher might write 'A clever approach to the problem' on a student's essay. Beyond the classroom, you will hear it in the workplace. Colleagues might describe a successful business strategy as a 'clever plan' or an effective piece of software as a 'clever tool'. In these professional environments, cleverness is highly valued as it often leads to increased efficiency and competitive advantage.

Educational Context: Used to praise students for quick learning, original thinking, or successful problem-solving.

The teacher praised the student for her clever science project.

Media and entertainment are also rich sources for encountering this word. In literature, movies, and television shows, characters are frequently defined by their cleverness. The 'clever detective' who pieces together obscure clues to solve a crime is a staple of the mystery genre. Conversely, the 'clever villain' who devises intricate, hard-to-foil plots provides a compelling challenge for the hero. Reviewers and critics often use the word to describe the writing or direction of a piece of media, praising a 'clever plot twist' or a 'clever piece of dialogue'. In news media, journalists might report on a 'clever marketing campaign' that successfully captured the public's attention or a 'clever political maneuver' that outsmarted the opposition. Furthermore, documentaries about nature and science frequently employ the word when discussing animal intelligence. You might hear a narrator describe how a 'clever crow' uses a stick to extract insects from a tree, highlighting the animal's problem-solving capabilities.

Media and Entertainment: Used to describe well-crafted stories, witty dialogue, or characters who rely on their intellect.

The movie was praised for its clever script and unexpected ending.

In the realm of technology and design, clever is a highly complimentary term. A 'clever design' refers to an object or system that is not only functional but also elegantly solves a problem in an unexpected way. For example, a piece of furniture that folds away to save space might be described as a clever design. Software developers might talk about a 'clever algorithm' that processes data faster than previous methods. In casual social settings, you might hear people use the word to describe a witty joke or a humorous observation. If someone makes a funny, quick-witted comment, a friend might respond with a laugh and say, 'That was clever!' This highlights the word's connection to humor and verbal agility. Overall, whether you are reading a book, watching the news, working in an office, or chatting with friends, you are bound to encounter the word clever, making it a crucial component of your active vocabulary.

Design and Technology: Describing solutions, gadgets, or systems that are innovative, efficient, and elegantly constructed.

The new smartphone features a clever camera system.

He told a clever joke that made everyone laugh.

The crows are clever enough to use traffic to crack nuts.

While clever is a common and useful word, learners often make a few typical mistakes when incorporating it into their vocabulary. One of the most frequent errors involves confusing clever with similar but distinct adjectives, such as 'wise' or 'intelligent'. While all three relate to mental capacity, they have different nuances. 'Intelligent' generally refers to a high cognitive capacity, often measured by academic success or logical reasoning. 'Wise' implies deep understanding, good judgment, and experience gained over time. 'Clever', however, specifically highlights quickness of thought, ingenuity, and practical problem-solving. A young child might be clever at figuring out how to open a locked cabinet, but they are not necessarily wise. Using clever when you mean wise can make a sentence sound slightly unnatural. For example, saying 'My grandfather is a very clever man who gives great life advice' might be better phrased using 'wise', as life advice relies on experience rather than quick-wittedness.

Nuance Confusion: Using clever interchangeably with wise or intelligent without considering the specific context of quickness or ingenuity.

Mistake: The old sage was very clever about life. (Better: wise)

Another common grammatical mistake involves the use of prepositions following the adjective. As mentioned earlier, the correct preposition to use when describing a specific skill is 'at'. Learners often incorrectly use 'in' or 'on'. Saying 'She is clever in math' is a common error; the correct phrasing is 'She is clever at math'. Similarly, when referring to the use of tools or instruments, the correct preposition is 'with'. Saying 'He is clever by his hands' is incorrect; it should be 'He is clever with his hands'. Memorizing these specific collocations (clever at, clever with) is essential for achieving natural-sounding fluency. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the comparative and superlative forms. While 'more clever' and 'most clever' are acceptable, especially in longer, more complex sentences, the traditional forms 'cleverer' and 'cleverest' are often preferred in standard English. Mixing these up or creating double comparatives like 'more cleverer' is a grammatical error that should be avoided.

Preposition Errors: Using incorrect prepositions like 'in' or 'on' instead of the correct 'at' or 'with' after the adjective.

Mistake: He is very clever in playing the piano. (Correction: clever at)

Finally, learners must be aware of the potential negative connotations of the word clever. In some contexts, particularly in British English, calling someone 'too clever' or 'clever-clever' can imply that they are smug, arrogant, or overly complex in a way that is annoying rather than helpful. It can also border on 'cunning', suggesting that someone is using their intelligence to deceive or manipulate others. For example, a 'clever trick' might be admired for its ingenuity, but it might also be resented if it was used to cheat someone. Therefore, understanding the tone and context is vital. If you want to offer pure, unadulterated praise for someone's intellect without any hint of slyness, words like 'brilliant' or 'intelligent' might sometimes be safer choices in formal situations. However, for everyday problem-solving and quick thinking, clever remains the perfect choice, provided you are mindful of these subtle nuances and common grammatical pitfalls.

Negative Connotations: Failing to recognize that 'clever' can sometimes imply slyness or arrogance depending on the context and tone.

Be careful not to sound too clever during the interview, or they might think you are arrogant.

Mistake: She is more cleverer than him. (Correction: cleverer or more clever)

He thought he was being clever, but his plan failed completely.

To truly master the word clever, it is incredibly helpful to explore its synonyms and understand the subtle differences between them. The English language is rich with words that describe intelligence, but each carries its own unique flavor. The most common synonym is 'smart'. In many everyday situations, smart and clever can be used interchangeably. For instance, 'a smart idea' and 'a clever idea' convey very similar meanings. However, 'smart' is often broader, encompassing not just quick-wittedness but also general intelligence, good judgment, and even neatness in appearance. Another closely related word is 'intelligent'. This is a more formal term, typically used to describe a high level of cognitive ability, logical reasoning, and the capacity for abstract thought. While a clever person might figure out a quick fix for a broken machine, an intelligent person might understand the complex physics behind why the machine broke in the first place. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning.

Smart vs. Clever: Smart is a broader term for general intelligence, while clever specifically highlights quickness and ingenuity.

She is a smart student, but her brother is particularly clever at solving riddles.

Moving into more specific nuances, we encounter words like 'bright' and 'sharp'. 'Bright' is often used to describe young people or children who show early signs of intelligence and a quick ability to learn. It carries a very positive, hopeful connotation. 'Sharp', on the other hand, emphasizes mental acuity and alertness. A sharp mind is one that misses nothing and reacts instantly. It is very close in meaning to clever but perhaps focuses more on perception and less on creative problem-solving. If we look at the creative aspect of cleverness, words like 'ingenious' and 'resourceful' come into play. 'Ingenious' describes something exceptionally clever, original, and inventive. An ingenious invention is a masterpiece of clever design. 'Resourceful' describes someone who is clever at finding ways to overcome difficulties, often by using whatever limited materials are at hand. A resourceful person is inherently clever in practical, challenging situations.

Ingenious vs. Clever: Ingenious represents a higher, more exceptional level of cleverness, often resulting in brilliant inventions or solutions.

The clever boy grew up to become an ingenious engineer.

Finally, we must consider the synonyms that lean towards the potentially negative side of cleverness. Words like 'cunning', 'sly', and 'crafty' describe a type of cleverness used for deception or selfish gain. A cunning person is clever, but they use their intelligence to trick others. A sly person is clever in a secretive, often dishonest way. A crafty person is skilled at achieving their ends through indirect or deceitful methods. While a clever plan is usually admired, a cunning plan is often feared or distrusted. Recognizing these darker synonyms is crucial for understanding the full spectrum of words related to mental agility. By familiarizing yourself with this network of related vocabulary—from the bright and intelligent to the resourceful and the cunning—you will significantly enrich your English expression and be able to articulate exactly the type of intelligence you are observing. Clever remains the perfect middle ground: quick, practical, and generally positive, but with a hint of sharpness that makes it distinct.

Cunning vs. Clever: Cunning implies using cleverness for deceitful or selfish purposes, whereas clever is generally neutral or positive.

The fox is known for being both clever and cunning.

She gave a very clever presentation that impressed the board.

It takes a clever mind to understand these complex instructions.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Adjective order (e.g., a clever young man)

Comparative and superlative adjectives

Adjectives followed by prepositions (clever at/with)

Adjectives + infinitive (clever to do)

Adverbs of degree modifying adjectives (very clever)

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수준별 예문

My dog is very clever.

Very smart/quick to learn

Subject + is + very + adjective.

She is a clever girl.

Smart/intelligent girl

Article + adjective + noun.

The clever cat caught the mouse.

Quick-thinking cat

Adjective describing the subject noun.

He has a clever idea.

Good/smart thought

Verb 'have' + article + adjective + noun.

That is a clever trick!

Smart magic or action

Demonstrative pronoun + is + article + adjective + noun.

Are you clever at math?

Good at mathematics

Question form: Be verb + subject + adjective + at + noun.

The clever bird found the food.

Smart bird

Adjective modifying the subject.

My brother is not very clever.

Not very smart

Negative form: is + not + very + adjective.

It was clever of you to bring an umbrella.

Smart action to take

'It was clever of [person] to [verb]' structure.

She is cleverer than her older sister.

More smart/quick

Comparative form: cleverer + than.

He found a clever way to fix the broken chair.

Smart method/solution

Adjective modifying 'way' (method).

They are quite clever students.

Fairly smart learners

Adverb 'quite' modifying the adjective.

That was a very clever answer to the question.

Smart response

Adjective modifying 'answer'.

My grandfather is clever with his hands.

Good at making/fixing things

'Clever with' used for physical skills/tools.

Who is the cleverest person in your family?

Most smart/quick

Superlative form: the + cleverest.

The clever monkey opened the locked cage.

Smart animal

Adjective used in a simple narrative sentence.

The detective used a clever strategy to catch the thief.

Ingenious plan

Adjective modifying an abstract noun (strategy).

If he were more clever, he wouldn't have lost the money.

If he had been smarter

Second conditional using 'more clever'.

She gave a clever presentation that impressed everyone.

Well-thought-out talk

Adjective describing a performance or event.

It takes a clever mind to understand this complex puzzle.

Quick-thinking brain

'It takes a [adjective] [noun] to [verb]' structure.

The author wrote a very clever ending to the story.

Surprising and smart conclusion

Adjective describing a literary element.

He is clever enough to know when to stay quiet.

Smart enough

Adjective + enough + infinitive.

Don't try to be clever with me; just tell the truth.

Don't try to trick me

Idiomatic use meaning 'don't be cheeky or deceitful'.

They designed a clever device that saves a lot of electricity.

Ingenious machine

Adjective describing an invention or design.

The politician's clever manipulation of the facts won him the debate.

Shrewd handling

Adjective modifying a noun phrase indicating action (manipulation).

While the design is undeniably clever, it is too expensive to produce.

Ingenious but impractical

Used in a contrastive clause with 'While'.

She has a reputation for being a clever negotiator.

Astute deal-maker

'Reputation for being + adjective + noun'.

His clever remarks often border on sarcasm.

Witty but biting comments

Adjective describing verbal communication with nuanced tone.

The software uses a clever algorithm to predict user behavior.

Sophisticated mathematical rule

Used in a technical context.

It was a clever piece of marketing that went viral instantly.

Ingenious advertising

'A clever piece of [noun]' structure.

He thought he was being clever, but his boss saw right through his excuse.

Trying to be sly

'Being clever' implying an attempt at deception.

The escape room required a combination of teamwork and clever thinking.

Ingenious problem-solving

Adjective modifying a gerund/noun (thinking).

The author's clever juxtaposition of historical events highlights the cyclical nature of human folly.

Astute placement side-by-side

Modifying a complex abstract noun (juxtaposition).

Clever though the argument may be, it ultimately fails to address the root cause of the issue.

Despite the argument being ingenious

Inversion for concession: 'Adjective + though + subject + verb'.

She is far too clever to fall for such a transparent ruse.

Much too astute

'Far too + adjective + infinitive' structure.

The defense attorney employed a series of clever legal maneuvers to delay the trial.

Shrewd tactical actions

Modifying a compound noun phrase (legal maneuvers).

His latest novel is a clever pastiche of Victorian detective fiction.

Witty imitation

Used in literary criticism/analysis.

The company's clever tax structuring allowed them to legally minimize their liabilities.

Astute financial organization

Used in a corporate/financial context.

He has a rather clever-clever way of speaking that alienates his colleagues.

Smug or irritatingly smart

Reduplication (clever-clever) used as a pejorative adjective.

The film is a clever subversion of traditional romantic comedy tropes.

Ingenious overturning

Modifying an abstract noun indicating structural change (subversion).

The diplomat's clever phrasing managed to placate both factions without committing to either.

Astute and ambiguous wording

Modifying a gerund (phrasing) indicating high-level linguistic skill.

It is a clever conceit, but one that ultimately collapses under rigorous philosophical scrutiny.

Ingenious central idea/metaphor

Used in academic/philosophical critique.

He is, perhaps, too clever by half, a trait that often leads to his own undoing.

Overly confident in his own intelligence

Use of the specific idiom 'too clever by half'.

The architect's clever utilization of natural light transformed the claustrophobic space into an airy sanctuary.

Ingenious use

Modifying a formal noun (utilization).

Her critique was devastating precisely because it was so undeniably clever.

Astute and sharply witty

Used as a predicate adjective emphasizing impact.

The narrative relies on a clever sleight of hand that distracts the reader from the obvious clues.

Ingenious misdirection

Modifying an idiomatic noun phrase (sleight of hand).

Such clever sophistry might win a debate, but it will not uncover the truth.

Ingenious but deceptive reasoning

Paired with a noun indicating deceptive logic (sophistry).

The composer's clever interweaving of distinct melodic motifs creates a rich sonic tapestry.

Astute combining

Modifying a complex gerund phrase in an artistic context.

자주 쓰는 조합

clever idea

clever trick

clever design

clever boy

clever girl

clever way

very clever

quite clever

clever at

clever with

자주 쓰는 구문

a clever plan

a clever solution

clever thinking

a clever move

not very clever

too clever

a clever piece of

clever enough to

how clever of you

a clever clogs

자주 혼동되는 단어

clever vs smart

clever vs wise

clever vs intelligent

관용어 및 표현

"too clever by half"

"a clever dick"

"a clever clogs"

"clever as a cartload of monkeys"

"clever boots"

"play it clever"

"clever-clever"

"a clever touch"

"clever money"

"clever hound"

혼동하기 쉬운

clever vs

문장 패턴

무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

note

While 'clever' is generally positive, be cautious using it to describe an adult's professional work in highly formal contexts, where 'innovative' or 'astute' might sound more respectful.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'clever in' instead of 'clever at' (e.g., saying 'clever in math').
Confusing 'clever' with 'wise' (using clever for deep life experience).
Saying 'more cleverer' (double comparative).
Misunderstanding the sarcastic use of 'very clever'.
Using 'clever by his hands' instead of 'clever with his hands'.

팁

Preposition Pairing

Always use 'at' when talking about a subject or skill. Say 'clever at science', never 'clever in science'.

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound more formal or academic, swap 'clever' for 'ingenious' when describing an invention or idea.

Tone Matters

Be careful with your tone. Saying 'That's very clever' with a flat, unenthusiastic voice will sound sarcastic to a native speaker.

UK vs US Usage

If you are in the UK, use 'clever' to describe a smart person. If you are in the US, 'smart' is much more common in daily conversation.

Vary Your Adjectives

Instead of saying 'very clever', try using 'brilliant' or 'ingenious' to make your writing more descriptive and engaging.

Comparatives

Remember that 'cleverer' and 'cleverest' are the traditional forms. Avoid saying 'more cleverer', which is a double comparative and grammatically incorrect.

Too Clever By Half

Learn the idiom 'too clever by half'. It's a great phrase to describe someone who is so smart that it actually causes them problems or makes them annoying.

Context Clues

When listening to stories, notice how 'clever' is often used to describe the hero who defeats a stronger enemy using their brain instead of muscles.

Clever With

Use the phrase 'clever with' when talking about physical tools. For example, 'He is clever with a paintbrush' or 'She is clever with tools'.

Daily Observation

Try to spot one 'clever' thing every day—a clever advertisement, a clever design on a product, or a clever comment—and write it down.

암기하기

어원

Middle English

문화적 맥락

In the UK, 'clever' is the standard word for intelligent, while in the US, 'smart' is more common. In the UK, 'smart' often refers to being well-dressed.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Who is the cleverest person you know and why?"

"Can you think of a clever invention that changed the world?"

"Is it better to be clever or hardworking?"

"Have you ever seen an animal do something really clever?"

"What is the most clever movie plot twist you have ever seen?"

일기 주제

Write about a time when you had to use clever thinking to solve a problem.

Describe a clever character from a book or movie that you admire.

Do you think cleverness can sometimes be a bad thing? Explain.

Write a short story about a clever animal.

List three clever ways to save money or time in your daily life.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

In everyday use, they are very similar. However, 'smart' is a broader term for general intelligence. 'Clever' specifically highlights quick thinking, ingenuity, and the ability to solve problems easily. In the UK, 'clever' is preferred for intelligence, while 'smart' often means well-dressed.

Yes, both 'more clever' and 'cleverer' are grammatically correct. 'Cleverer' is the traditional form for two-syllable adjectives ending in -er, but 'more clever' is increasingly common and perfectly acceptable, especially in formal writing.

The correct preposition is 'at' when referring to a skill or subject. For example, you should say 'She is clever at math' or 'He is clever at fixing cars'. Using 'in' is a common mistake.

Yes, depending on the tone and context. If someone says 'Don't get clever with me,' it means don't be disrespectful or try to trick them. Calling someone 'too clever by half' means they are annoyingly overconfident in their intelligence.

This phrase means that a person is very skilled at making, fixing, or manipulating physical objects. It is often used to describe carpenters, mechanics, artists, or anyone who is good at practical, manual tasks.

No, clever can be used to describe animals (a clever dog), ideas (a clever plan), objects (a clever design), or actions (a clever move). It is a very versatile adjective.

The noun form is 'cleverness'. It refers to the quality of being clever. For example, 'Her cleverness helped them escape the trap.'

'Clever clogs' is a British informal idiom used to describe someone who is annoying because they show off how much they know. It is similar to calling someone a 'know-it-all'.

It is pronounced with two syllables: CLEV-er. The stress is on the first syllable. The 'e' in the first syllable sounds like the 'e' in 'bed', and the second syllable has a soft 'er' sound.

Yes, but use it carefully. While 'a clever solution' is fine, in highly academic or formal contexts, words like 'ingenious', 'astute', or 'innovative' might carry more weight and sound more professional.

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