a shrewd combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shrewd combination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or astute blend of elements, strategies, or ideas that work well together. Example: "The marketing team's success was due to a shrewd combination of social media outreach and traditional advertising."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Schamus ran the place with a shrewd combination of good taste and minimal snobbery.

The Guardian - Film

31 "REMBRANDT CREATES REMBRANDT: ART AND AMBITION IN LEIDEN 1629-1631" Rembrandt was a shrewd combination of soulfulness and showmanship.

The New York Times - Arts

In short, a character impossible to play, yet Ms. Diaz puts it over through a shrewd combination of complicity and sincerity.

The New York Times

These omnipresent cycles represent, instead, an anachronistic grouping — one made only in hindsight and informed by a shrewd combination of the Romantic ethos of classical music and the box-set mentality of the record industry.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Delaying departure until later in the evening is often a shrewd move as the combination of work exit and holiday exodus traffic tends to ease after the rush hour".

The Guardian

It was a shrewd move.

The New York Times - Sports

A shrewd question.

The Guardian

It's a shrewd mixture.

The New York Times

I'm a shrewd bastard.

The New Yorker

He was a shrewd dude.

The New York Times

He seemed a shrewd choice.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shrewd combination" when you want to emphasize the intelligence and effectiveness of combining different elements or strategies. It implies a clever and well-thought-out approach.

Common error

Avoid using "a shrewd combination" when simply describing a basic mixture. This phrase implies more than just a mix; it suggests a clever and strategic blend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shrewd combination" functions as a noun phrase, where "shrewd" modifies "combination". It describes a specific type of combination characterized by intelligence and cleverness, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shrewd combination" is a noun phrase used to describe a clever and effective blending of elements, often with a strategic purpose. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its usage is relatively rare, it effectively conveys the idea of an intelligent and well-thought-out approach. Consider alternatives like ""a clever blend"" or ""an astute mix"" to add variety to your writing. This phrase is more than a simple mix; it indicates a deliberate and intelligent merging of components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever blend

This alternative replaces "shrewd" with "clever", which is a more general term for intelligence or skill.

an astute mix

This alternative substitutes "shrewd" with "astute", highlighting keen discernment and judgment. Also uses "mix" instead of "combination".

a judicious mixture

This alternative uses "judicious" to emphasize that the combination was carefully made with good judgment.

a strategic merging

This emphasizes the planning and intentionality behind the combination, using "strategic" and "merging" to suggest a calculated approach.

a discerning blend

This alternative highlights the use of careful judgment to form the combination, using "discerning" to indicate insight and good taste.

a cunning fusion

This alternative uses "cunning" to suggest a clever and resourceful approach, with "fusion" implying a blending together.

a skillful synthesis

This alternative highlights the skill involved in creating the combination, with "synthesis" emphasizing the creation of something new from different elements.

a deft amalgamation

This suggests a skillful and seamless combination, using "deft" to indicate dexterity and "amalgamation" to imply a blending of different components.

an ingenious concoction

This alternative uses "ingenious" to emphasize the cleverness and originality of the combination, with "concoction" implying a mixing of different ingredients or ideas.

a pragmatic integration

This suggests a practical and effective way of combining things, using "pragmatic" to convey realism and utility.

FAQs

How can I use "a shrewd combination" in a sentence?

You can use "a shrewd combination" to describe a clever or effective merging of different strategies, qualities, or items. For example: "Her success resulted from "a shrewd combination" of talent and hard work."

What are some alternatives to "a shrewd combination"?

Alternatives include "a clever blend", "an astute mix", or "a strategic merging". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "shrewd combination" a formal phrase?

While "shrewd" implies intelligence and can be used in more formal contexts, the phrase ""a shrewd combination"" itself is suitable for both formal and informal writing. The register depends more on the surrounding text than the phrase itself.

What makes a combination "shrewd"?

A "shrewd" combination implies that the mix of elements was carefully and cleverly chosen to achieve a specific advantage or outcome. It suggests foresight and an understanding of how different components can work together effectively.