Is It More Clever Or Cleverer? Here’s The Correct Spelling (+10 Examples)

Comparative adjectives seem to confuse most people, as there always seems to be more than one way to use them. Of course, the debate between “more clever” and “cleverer” is no stranger to this confusion, so let’s look at how we can work out what’s the correct way to write it.

Is It More Clever Or Cleverer?

The correct version is both “more clever” and “cleverer.” When using comparative adjectives, you typically use “more” before the adjective if it’s three or more syllables and add “-er” to the end of it if it’s one syllable. However, when words are two syllables, you can choose between the two and pick whichever one sounds more appealing to you. In this case, “cleverer” is the more common word to use.

Is Cleverer A Word?

Yes, “cleverer” is a word, and it’s the comparative form of the adjective “clever.” If you want to compare two people and say that one is more clever than the other, you would be able to say both “more clever” or “cleverer.” “Cleverer” is a way to say the comparative form in a more streamlined way. However, some people don’t like using it because they feel like there are a few too many “e” letters in the word.

It’s a word that’s picked up more relevance and popularity over the years, as we always look for ways to simplify the English language. If you’re struggling to decide between “more clever” or “cleverer,” don’t worry! Since both works, it’s really up to you and your personal preference which one works better.

Is Cleverest A Word?

Now that we’ve covered the comparative adjective “cleverer,” it’s time to look at the superlative adjective “cleverest.” Yes, these two words are different. A comparative adjective is a way to say one thing is “more” than something else. A superlative adjective is a way to say that something is the “most” of all. So, if you’re saying “cleverest,” you’re essentially saying something is the “most clever.”

Of course, both forms, “most clever” and “cleverest,” are correct and acceptable in English. However, it’s more common to come across “cleverest” in both written and spoken language, as it’s the simplified form and the most natural to say. “Most clever” sounds a little bit too harsh to say when using the superlative form.

What Is The Definition Of “Clever”?

We’ve got the tricky language rules part out of the way, so now it’s time to look at what “clever” even means. It’s synonymous with words like “smart” or “intelligent.” it’s a way to show that someone quickly understands a given task or method. If someone is clever, they’re often able to devise strategies or ideas to solve problems quickly. It’s a compliment if someone calls you “clever.”

Does The Rule Also Apply To Cleverest Or Most Clever?

As we’ve already stated above, “cleverest” and “most clever” are the superlative form, and they follow a similar rule to the comparative form “cleverer.” As we said, one-syllable words typically add an “-est” to the end of them in the superlative form. Words with three or more syllables typically put the word “most” in the front and leave the adjective in the same form.

However, like in the comparative form, any words with two syllables are left to their own devices. You can use both “most clever” and “cleverest” interchangeably with each other, and the only reason you might use one over the other is because of the word’s popularity at the time. Two-syllable words don’t follow the rules in quite the same way, so they’re quite useful to have in your arsenal and use them either way.

5 Examples Of How To Use “Cleverer” In A Sentence

Now that we’ve got most of the explanations out of the way, it’s time to look at some examples that’ll help you really get the hang of it. We’ll write out five sentences with the word “cleverer,” comparing two objects in the sentence. It’ll help you understand when to use the comparative adjective. We also find that the best way to learn is by doing and practicing, and example sentences are the best way to ensure that.

• She was a lot cleverer than me.
• Michael is cleverer than Darren.
• The dog is cleverer than I gave him credit for.
• We are cleverer than we look.
• You are cleverer than your math teacher.

In all of these sentences, one of the objects in the sentence is being compared to another. Sometimes, the objects aren’t people (like the dog example). It’s also possible for the comparative noun to be something more along the lines of “I gave him credit for,” rather than an outright object that’s easy to distinguish.

5 Examples Of How To Use “More Clever” In A Sentence

Now we will show you five new sentences, each using “more clever” instead of “cleverer.” Remember, the two adjectives are correct in the scenario, and you can use whichever one works best for you. It would be possible to take the sentences from the last section and just replace “cleverer” with “more clever,” but then you wouldn’t get all examples you need!

• I am more clever than my brother.
• You are more clever than I thought.
• The teacher said I was more clever than any other student.
• We are more clever than our parents ever knew.
• He is more clever than I am.

What’s Another Word For “Clever”?

Okay, so we’ve gone through the examples and the definitions, there’s only one thing left to do! We like to give alternatives to any words that people might be struggling with. Although “more clever” and “cleverer” can both work, some people still feel uncomfortable using them just in case they get them wrong! Don’t worry if you’re one of those people! These alternative words are much better to use (it also helps to have synonyms in your vocabulary).

• intelligent
• smart
• bright
• brilliant
• gifted

Most of these words also have their own comparative adjective, too, if you wanted to practice with them!