Learn how to use the comparative “cleverer” and superlative “cleverest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “cleverest”?

The comparative form of “cleverest” is “cleverer”.

Example

She is cleverer than her brother when it comes to solving puzzles.

Example

The detective was cleverer than the criminal, outsmarting him at every turn.

What is the superlative form of “cleverest”?

The superlative form of “cleverest” is “cleverest”.

Example

Among all the students, she is the cleverest.

Example

The magician's tricks were the cleverest I've ever seen.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with clever, cleverer, and cleverest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more clever' and 'most clever' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, cleverer and cleverest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Clever does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: CleverCleverer Superlative: CleverCleverest

Expressions with similar meanings to “cleverer”

Used to describe someone who is clever in an intelligent or intellectual way

Example

He is the smarter of the two siblings, always coming up with innovative ideas.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased cleverness or intelligence

Example

The professor's more intelligent approach to problem-solving impressed his students.

Expressions with similar meanings to “cleverest”

Similar to cleverest, this emphasizes both intelligence and cleverness

Example

Out of all the contestants, he was the smartest and won the game show.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of cleverness or intelligence

Example

Her research paper was the most intelligent among her peers.

Using than with comparative “cleverer”

When using the comparative form cleverer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is cleverer than her brother." Here, than is used to show that her level of cleverness is greater than her brother's.

How can I use this expression in context?

“cleverer” and “cleverest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Problem-Solving

    He came up with a cleverer solution to the puzzle.

    He came up with a cleverer solution to the puzzle.

  • 2Competition

    She was declared the cleverest participant in the quiz competition.

    She was declared the cleverest participant in the quiz competition.

  • 3Creativity

    His artwork is the cleverest among all the students.

    His artwork is the cleverest among all the students.

  • 4Innovation

    The company's latest product is the cleverest invention of the year.

    The company's latest product is the cleverest invention of the year.

  • 5Humor

    He always has the cleverest jokes at parties.

    He always has the cleverest jokes at parties.

Related idioms and phrases

A penny for your thoughts

Asking someone what they are thinking about or what is on their mind.

Example

You seem lost in thought. A penny for your thoughts?

Put on your thinking cap

To encourage someone to think deeply or come up with creative solutions.

Example

We need to find a solution to this problem. Put on your thinking cap and let's brainstorm.

Brainstorm

To generate a large number of ideas or solutions to a problem.

Example

We had a brainstorming session to come up with new marketing strategies.

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