a shrewd idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"a shrewd idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a clever, cunning, or astute idea or plan. Example: After hours of brainstorming, she came up with a shrewd idea to increase sales by targeting a new demographic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I've got a shrewd idea".

The Guardian - Books

He stimulates, he finishes well and he has a shrewd idea of his worth.

The New York Times - Sports

Now we know that he had a shrewd idea of what was to come.

The Guardian - Sport

Inspired to make a documentary about yoga, the filmmaker Kate Churchill came up with a shrewd idea.

The New York Times

Francona was being playful, but it might have been a shrewd idea to get Tazawa out of Fenway Park.

The New York Times - Sports

While Ventura said the dinner invitation to the reporters was a shrewd idea, he did not expect any other Yankees players to mimic Matsui.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was, Slingo believes, valuable training – even now, she reveals, she can glean a pretty shrewd idea of the forecast from a shuftie at the maps.

The Guardian

A devilishly shrewd idea emerged during the past few weeks from Hillary Clinton's Presidential campaign.

The New Yorker

POP AND ROCK BY ANDY GILL It's only 1st January, but I already have a pretty shrewd idea what my favourite album of 2010 will be: I just can't stop playing The Courage Of Others, the new album by Texan band Midlake, which is due to be released at the start of February.

Independent

In the autumn of 1866, Charles Dickens had the shrewd idea of combining these themes in a group of collaborative "railway" stories, to be published in the Extra Christmas Number of his weekly magazine All the Year Round.

The Guardian - Books

Because they had the shrewd idea that if you give them control over women, then they might be less antsy about rebelling against the British.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an idea as "shrewd", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the clever or astute quality of the idea. Provide specific examples or details to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid labeling every idea as "shrewd". Use this descriptor when there's clear evidence of cleverness, insight, or strategic advantage, not as a generic compliment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shrewd idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "shrewd" modifies the noun "idea". It describes the quality or characteristic of the idea, indicating its cleverness and astuteness. Ludwig shows examples where the phrase is used to introduce or describe plans, strategies, or thoughts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shrewd idea" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a clever, astute, and practical thought or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business settings. While generally positive, it can sometimes imply a hint of cunning. To ensure accurate and impactful writing, use it when you want to emphasize not just the cleverness of an idea but also its practicality and potential for success. Alternatives like "a clever plan" or "a smart move" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever plan

Focuses on the practical implementation aspect, implying a well-thought-out strategy.

an ingenious concept

Highlights the innovative and inventive nature of the idea.

a brilliant notion

Emphasizes the high quality and intelligence behind the idea.

a smart move

Implies that the idea is strategically advantageous and likely to succeed.

an astute strategy

Highlights the insightful and perceptive quality of the planning.

a cunning scheme

Suggests the idea is clever, but potentially deceptive or manipulative.

a wise decision

Implies the idea reflects good judgment and foresight.

a sagacious thought

Emphasizes the profound wisdom and understanding behind the idea.

a perceptive insight

Highlights the ability to understand people or situations accurately.

a strategic proposal

Underscores the calculated and planned approach of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shrewd idea" to describe a plan or thought that demonstrates intelligence and practicality. For example, "Marketing team members came up with "a shrewd idea" of offering discounts to attract new customers."

What's the difference between "a shrewd idea" and "a clever idea"?

While both suggest intelligence, "a shrewd idea" implies practicality and astuteness, often with a focus on gaining an advantage, whereas "a clever idea" primarily denotes ingenuity and quick-wittedness.

What are some synonyms for "a shrewd idea"?

Alternatives to "a shrewd idea" include "a clever plan", "an ingenious concept", or "a smart move", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe an idea as "shrewd"?

While generally positive, describing something as "shrewd" can sometimes imply a hint of cunning or self-interest. Consider the context to ensure it doesn't suggest manipulation or deception.