What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cleverer
Example
She is cleverer than her classmates and always gets the highest grades. [cleverer: comparative adjective]
Example
The cleverer you are, the more opportunities you will have in life. [cleverer: comparative adjective]
smarter
Example
He is smarter than his brother and always makes wise decisions. [smarter: comparative adjective]
Example
She dressed smarter than everyone else at the party and stood out. [smarter: comparative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smarter is more commonly used than cleverer in everyday language, especially in American English. Smarter is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while cleverer is less common and more specific to intellectual abilities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cleverer and smarter?
While cleverer has a slightly informal and playful connotation, smarter can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile and suitable for various levels of formality.
