a shrewd move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shrewd move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or astute action taken in a particular situation, often in a strategic context. Example: "Investing in renewable energy was a shrewd move, considering the global shift towards sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a shrewd move.

The New York Times

It was a shrewd move.

The New York Times - Sports

That's really a shrewd move.

The New York Times

But it was a shrewd move.

The Economist

'This is a shrewd move.

The Guardian - Money

His appears a shrewd move.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a shrewd move by Gigante.

The New Yorker

It proved to be a shrewd move.

The Guardian - Film

The Facebook post was a shrewd move by Dieudonné.

The New Yorker

It was a shrewd move that saved the Metropolitan.

The New Yorker

The plaintiffs regard that as a shrewd move.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a shrewd move", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the cleverness or strategic advantage gained from the action being described. Provide enough detail for the reader to understand why it was a shrewd decision.

Common error

Avoid describing actions as "a shrewd move" if the benefits are minimal or unclear. Ensure the outcome justifies the description, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shrewd move" functions as a noun phrase, where "shrewd" modifies "move", indicating a particular quality of the action. It serves to characterize the action as clever and advantageous. Ludwig shows many examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shrewd move" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a clever and advantageous action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with Formal & Business and Science contexts also appearing. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "strategic decision" in professional settings. When writing, ensure the context demonstrates the cleverness of the action to effectively convey its meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever tactic

Emphasizes the skillful planning and execution of the action.

an astute maneuver

Highlights the insightful and perceptive nature of the action.

a smart play

Focuses on the intelligent and strategic aspect of the decision.

a canny strategy

Implies a level of resourcefulness and practical wisdom in the approach.

a wise decision

Stresses the prudence and good judgment behind the action.

an ingenious plan

Highlights the innovative and creative aspects of the action.

a tactical advantage

Focuses on the strategic benefit gained from the action.

a strategic decision

Stresses the importance of the decision in achieving long-term goals.

a deft action

Highlights the skill and precision involved in the action.

a calculated risk

Emphasizes the deliberate assessment of potential outcomes before acting.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shrewd move" to describe an action that demonstrates cleverness and strategic advantage. For example, "Investing early in technology stocks was "a shrewd move" that yielded significant returns".

What are some alternatives to "a shrewd move"?

Alternatives include "a clever tactic", "an astute maneuver", or "a smart play", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a shrewd move" formal or informal?

"A shrewd move" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "a strategic decision".

What makes an action qualify as "a shrewd move"?

An action qualifies as "a shrewd move" when it demonstrates foresight, intelligence, and a calculated approach that leads to a favorable outcome or advantage. It often involves anticipating future trends or exploiting current opportunities.