TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

cunning vs clever

Both 'cunning' and 'clever' are correct English words, but they have slightly different meanings and connotations. 'Cunning' often implies deceit or trickery, while 'clever' generally refers to intelligence, quick-wittedness, or skill. The choice between the two depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1115 views

The word 'cunning' is correct in English and is commonly used to describe someone who is clever in a deceitful or sly way.

"cunning "

Use 'cunning' to describe someone who is skillful in a deceitful or crafty manner. It often carries a negative connotation.

Examples:

  • The fox was cunning in outsmarting the other animals.
  • She devised a cunning plan to get what she wanted.
  • His cunning ways made it difficult to trust him.
  • The thief used cunning tactics to steal the jewels.
  • The cunning politician manipulated the situation to his advantage.
  • skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, as in deceiving; craftiness; guile. 2. adeptness in performance; dexterity: The weaver's hand lost its cunning. adjective.
  • Many cunning hints helped us solve the puzzle. Certains indices astucieux ... June's cunning look makes me wonder if she's up to something. Le regard malin de ...
  • this cat has made his way into the Fitness Center for cunning reasons of his own and reveals himself only to certain privileged individuals. —Joyce Carol Oates ...
  • In fairy tales, always watch out for the cunning fox or the cunning witch. Cunning means clever, in the sense of trickery. A cunning plan might involve setting traps  ...

Alternatives:

  • sly
  • crafty
  • deceitful
  • shrewd
  • wily

The word 'clever' is correct in English and is commonly used to describe someone who is intelligent, quick-witted, or skillful.

"clever"

Use 'clever' to describe someone who is intelligent, quick-witted, or skillful in a positive way. It does not carry the negative connotations of deceit or trickery.

Examples:

  • She is a clever problem solver.
  • He came up with a clever solution to the puzzle.
  • The clever student always excels in class.
  • The magician's tricks were very cleverly executed.
  • The clever use of technology improved efficiency.
  • Not so clever now, Doctor.
  • This celebration already proves clever suggestion.
  • Don't get clever with me.
  • Broken Irish is better than clever English.
  • It's quite clever, actually.
  • I thought that was your clever way of asking if I was married.
  • The Warehouse is always so clever.
  • A small but exclusive collection of humorous and clever ties.
  • Just so subtle and clever and quick-changing.
  • That's both clever and deeply unsettling.
  • But very clever people can hear dreams.
  • I got a million clever ideas.
  • Appoint someone both clever and trustworthy.
  • The naqahdah generator plan was very clever.
  • A clever trick when pressed for time.
  • Aquarists attach great importance to clever details and quality.
  • Humanity walked blindly into their very clever plans.
  • And the clever fellow rushed to bushes.
  • I see... very clever, Captain.
  • You're too clever and may not see any profits.

Alternatives:

  • smart
  • intelligent
  • quick-witted
  • skillful
  • ingenious

Related Comparisons

"K" vs "Staying here. Alone. In rubber boots, and dark as obscurity coat. Sky above was full of tumultuous, dark, ragged clouds. Seems like a weather is set hostile" "K" vs "Let alone" "K" vs "One of my favorite pictures, even though you have a hard time seeing us!" "K" vs "Know that it's going to happen and allow it to happen" "K" vs "When mr jones visited the maycomb county" "True beauty lies in complexity and diversity, not in appearance. Individuality, a key of the pulchritudinous, the distinguished, and the exceptional, separate existence is to be cherished and praised." vs "K"

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo