What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smartly
Example
She dressed smartly for the job interview. [smartly: adverb]
Example
The team worked smartly to complete the project ahead of schedule. [smartly: adverb]
Example
He responded smartly to the interviewer's questions. [smartly: adverb]
cleverly
Example
She cleverly found a way to fix the broken vase. [cleverly: adverb]
Example
The comedian cleverly incorporated current events into his routine. [cleverly: adverb]
Example
He cleverly tricked his opponent into making a mistake. [cleverly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smartly is more commonly used than cleverly in everyday language. Smartly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cleverly is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smartly and cleverly?
Both smartly and cleverly can be used in formal and informal contexts, but smartly may be more appropriate in professional settings due to its association with efficiency and effectiveness.
