a shrewd tactic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shrewd tactic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or astute strategy employed to achieve a specific goal or advantage. Example: "The company's decision to invest in renewable energy was a shrewd tactic that positioned them ahead of their competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Terrorists in the kingdom have begun to strike at energy targets—a shrewd tactic.

The Economist

The bad news for Labour is that this studied banality already looks like a shrewd tactic for undermining the New Decency.

The Guardian

During the campaign, this was seen as a shrewd tactic to stop the BJP turning it into a presidential-style contest between an untested, foreign-born novice and the popular, statesmanlike Mr Vajpayee.

The Economist

But it's a shrewd tactic when you zoom out.

TechCrunch

Here's hoWhile

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This was a shrewd delaying tactic on the part of Vojislav Kostunica, the Serbian prime minister.

The Economist

Mr. Levy has publicly distanced himself from the union in recent months, a move that some education officials described yesterday as a shrewd bargaining tactic.

The New York Times

Torre has already expressed his willingness to manage elsewhere if the Yankees do not keep him or satisfy him, a shrewd negotiating tactic.

The New York Times - Sports

The move doesn't just reflect a concern for workers' quality of life -- it's also a shrewd business tactic that helps retailers attract top talent, an economic analyst told The Huffington Post earlier this week.

Huffington Post

For Naismith, it has also provided a form of motivation, since un-fancied teams such as Costa Rica and the USA showed that major nations can still be undone by a combination of shrewd tactics and unreserved commitment.

BBC

The immediate causes include a slowing of economic growth, the shrewd tactics of the opposition Democratic Progressive party (DPP), the spoiling role of a third party, and the emergence of a new kind of grassroots activism in Taiwan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a successful action, use "a shrewd tactic" to highlight the intelligence and foresight behind it.

Common error

While "a shrewd tactic" is appropriate for formal writing and discussions, avoid overusing it in casual conversations where simpler terms like "smart move" or "clever idea" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shrewd tactic" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a particular method or approach, emphasizing its cleverness and effectiveness. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a shrewd tactic" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a clever and strategic approach. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Though relatively rare in overall usage, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider using "a shrewd tactic" to emphasize the intelligence and foresight behind a particular action, but be mindful of the formality level, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Consider related phrases like ""a clever strategy"" or ""an astute maneuver"" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever strategy

Focuses on the intelligence and ingenuity of the approach.

an astute maneuver

Emphasizes the keen awareness and sharp insight involved.

a canny move

Highlights the practical wisdom and resourcefulness behind the action.

a strategic play

Underscores the calculated and deliberate nature of the action.

a wise course of action

Indicates the good judgment and prudence guiding the decision.

a tactical advantage

Highlights the benefit gained in a specific situation.

a smart approach

Focuses on the intelligence and effectiveness of the method.

a pragmatic solution

Emphasizes the practicality and realism of the approach.

a deft move

Highlights the skill and finesse involved in the action.

an ingenious plan

Focuses on the creativity and inventiveness of the scheme.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shrewd tactic" to describe a clever strategy employed to gain an advantage. For example, "The company's marketing campaign was "a shrewd tactic" to increase sales."

What are some alternatives to saying "a shrewd tactic"?

Alternatives include "a clever strategy", "an astute maneuver", or "a canny move", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a shrewd tactic"?

The phrase is suitable for formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize the intelligence and strategic thinking behind a particular action or decision.

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

While both phrases convey intelligence, "a shrewd tactic" often implies a level of cunning or keen awareness that "a smart tactic" might not necessarily suggest. Shrewdness often involves anticipating and exploiting opportunities.