Clever vs Smart: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
While "clever" emphasizes the ability to find solutions, "smart" is commonly used in American English to mean intelligent.
Memory Tip: clever = problem solver, smart = generally intelligent
clever has /v/, smart has /t/ sound
clever /ˈklɛvər/
adjectiveAble to learn and understand things quickly and easily.
Example:
The clever cat found a way to open the door by itself.
Common patterns:
clever idea
clever person
smart
adjectiveSmart means being clever or able to think quickly and solve problems.
Example:
She is wearing a smart dress for the party tonight.
Common patterns:
smart phone
smart choice
smart idea
Common Mistakes
She is a smart girl who always comes up with innovative solutions.
She is a clever girl who always comes up with innovative solutions.
"Clever" is used here because it emphasizes her ability to find creative solutions.
He is clever in math and always gets high grades on his tests.
He is smart in math and always gets high grades on his tests.
"Smart" is appropriate here as it denotes his overall intelligence and academic success.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The ____ cat found a way to open the door by itself.
2. She is wearing a ____ dress for the party tonight.
Other Confusing Words
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