an astute idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an astute idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea that is clever, perceptive, or insightful. Example: "After considering the various options, she proposed an astute idea that impressed everyone in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was an astute idea on Mr. Gilbert's part to precede the Bartok with Magnus Lindberg's "Feria," a 17-minute orchestral essay completed in 1997.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

His activity sometimes seemed like proof of concept for his ideas: an astute art critic, he was also a theorist of art's practical purchase, fascinated by its capacity to transform the physical stuff of the world.

The New Yorker

"I thought this was an astute observation," Odenkirk says.

Los Angeles Times

Wineapple is an astute literary biographer with a feisty prose style and a relish for unsettling received ideas.

The New Yorker

Here was an astute composer unafraid to be extreme, to let jazzy music get stuck for long stretches on an obsessive idea or to mix blistering perpetual-motion energy with quizzical pizzicato chorales.

The New York Times - Arts

That's an astute observation.

The New Yorker

This was an astute move.

The Economist

Talk about an astute prediction.

The New York Times - Arts

Osborne is an astute politician.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kaufmann was an astute marketer.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's an astute approach.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "an astute idea" with a brief explanation of why the idea is considered astute, giving context and highlighting its key benefits.

Common error

While "an astute idea" is a strong expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "a clever concept" or "a brilliant notion" to maintain freshness and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an astute idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "astute" is an adjective modifying the noun "idea". It serves to describe the quality of the idea, emphasizing its cleverness and perceptiveness. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showcasing its role in attributing insightful qualities to concepts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Arts

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an astute idea" is a phrase used to describe a clever, perceptive, or insightful concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While "an astute idea" appears to be a rare phrase it's most common in news and media contexts. To diversify your writing, consider using alternatives such as "a clever concept" or "a brilliant notion". Using the phrase correctly and avoiding overuse can help you highlight insightful ideas effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever concept

Emphasizes the ingenuity and inventiveness of the idea.

a brilliant notion

Highlights the exceptional quality and intelligence behind the idea.

a perceptive insight

Focuses on the depth and understanding demonstrated by the idea.

a shrewd plan

Suggests a practical and strategic approach embedded in the idea.

a sagacious thought

Implies wisdom and good judgment in the formulation of the idea.

a canny scheme

Highlights the resourcefulness and sharp-wittedness of the idea.

a smart proposal

Emphasizes the intelligence and practicality of the idea when put forward for consideration.

a judicious suggestion

Focuses on careful consideration and good decision-making in the idea's recommendation.

an ingenious solution

Implies the idea is a creative and effective fix to a problem.

a discerning view

Focuses on the ability to see and understand things clearly and deeply through the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "an astute idea" in a sentence?

You can use "an astute idea" to describe a plan or concept that shows cleverness and insight. For example, "It was an astute idea to precede the Bartok with Magnus Lindberg's 'Feria'."

What are some alternatives to saying "an astute idea"?

Some alternatives include "a clever concept", "a brilliant notion", or "a perceptive insight". These alternatives, such as "a clever concept", offer similar meanings while varying your language.

Is it appropriate to use "an astute idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "an astute idea" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to positively highlight a well-thought-out and insightful plan. However, consider alternatives like "a shrewd plan" for slightly different connotations.

What's the difference between "an astute idea" and "a good idea"?

"An astute idea" implies more than just goodness; it suggests cleverness, insight, and a deep understanding. While "a good idea" is simply beneficial, "an astute idea" is particularly perceptive or strategic.