a shrewd strategy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shrewd strategy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or astute plan or approach in various contexts, such as business, politics, or personal decisions. Example: "The company's decision to diversify its product line was a shrewd strategy that paid off in increased sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This is a shrewd strategy, but also a bit of magical thinking.

The New York Times

In an appeal to the growing fundamentalism of the developing world, this is a shrewd strategy.

The New York Times

Adopting the mantle of a progressive hawk may well be a shrewd strategy for Clinton to pursue: it certainly worked for John F. Kennedy.

The New Yorker

Given his standing as perhaps the world's best-known athlete, they said, Mr. Woods's gentle push for mediation represented a shrewd strategy.

The New York Times - Sports

During tough times, it could be a shrewd strategy to concentrate suddenly scarcer marketing dollars on faster-growing groups rather than the moribund majority.

The New York Times

He noted that Wahiba had hired a female lawyer, which he believed was a shrewd strategy for intimidating the judge, who he expected to be a graduate of Al Azhar University, the most prestigious Islamic institution in the Arab world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Some say his apparent reconciliation with Dora Bakogiannis is evidence of a shrewder strategy to broaden his power base.

BBC

The push for immigration reform in the face of GOP nativism is a potentially shrewd strategy that's already showing higher approval ratings among Latinos for Obama.

Huffington Post

It seemed a sensible, even shrewd, strategy, especially after the completion last year of the project's first phase — in which the architects, Diller Scofidio & Renfro, carved up the interior of the old 1960s-era andce Tully Hall and sliced off parts of its facade to produce a striking hybrid of Modern and contemporary.

The New York Times - Arts

That might be a shrewd primary strategy, but winning a general election could well require a more inspiring rationale.

The New York Times - Magazine

He reckons that making family fare free of sex and violence is a shrewd business strategy too, and a way to cope with the notoriously hit-or-miss nature of the film industry.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing business decisions or political moves, use "a shrewd strategy" to convey intelligence, insight and foresight.

Common error

While "a shrewd strategy" effectively communicates intelligence, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a clever tactic" or "an astute plan" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shrewd strategy" functions as a noun phrase, where 'shrewd' is an adjective modifying the noun 'strategy'. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing the nature of a plan or method. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shrewd strategy" is a noun phrase used to describe plans or actions exhibiting intelligence and foresight. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Alternatives include "a clever tactic" or "an astute plan". When using this phrase, ensure you aim to convey strategic insight and astute planning. While widely accepted, avoid overusing it by interchanging it with related phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever tactic

Replaces "shrewd" with "clever" and "strategy" with "tactic", implying a slightly more cunning approach.

an astute plan

Substitutes "shrewd" with "astute" and "strategy" with "plan", focusing on intelligence and planning.

a canny approach

Replaces "shrewd" with "canny" and "strategy" with "approach", suggesting a practical and resourceful method.

a pragmatic scheme

Substitutes "shrewd" with "pragmatic" and "strategy" with "scheme", emphasizing practicality and a systematic approach.

a judicious course of action

Replaces "shrewd" and "strategy" with a more formal and descriptive phrase emphasizing sound judgment.

a well-considered method

Emphasizes the careful thought and consideration behind the approach, rather than its cleverness.

a strategic maneuver

Focuses on the strategic and tactical nature of the approach, implying a specific action within a larger plan.

a smart move

Simplifies the phrase to a more general term for a clever or advantageous action.

a cunning ploy

Highlights the deceptive or manipulative aspect of the strategy, implying a hidden agenda.

a brilliant gambit

Emphasizes the boldness and risk associated with the strategy, suggesting a potentially high reward.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a shrewd strategy" in a sentence?

Use "a shrewd strategy" to describe plans or actions that demonstrate intelligence, good judgment, and foresight, especially in competitive contexts. For example: "The company's marketing campaign was "a shrewd strategy" to gain market share."

What are some alternatives to "a shrewd strategy" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a clever tactic", "an astute plan", or "a canny approach". These options offer similar meanings while varying the tone and emphasis.

Is there a difference between "a shrewd strategy" and "a smart strategy"?

While both phrases suggest intelligence, "a shrewd strategy" often implies a deeper level of insight and a more cunning approach compared to "a smart strategy". "Shrewd" suggests astuteness and a keen awareness of the situation.

When is it appropriate to use "a shrewd strategy" in writing?

It's suitable when discussing business moves, political decisions, or any situation where strategic intelligence is key. It adds a layer of sophistication to your description. For instance, you might say, "Negotiating that contract was "a shrewd strategy" to secure long-term profits."