as shrewd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as shrewd" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to compare someone's cleverness or astuteness to another person or situation. Example: "She is as shrewd as a seasoned negotiator." Alternative expressions include "as clever," "as astute," or "as sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the smooth-talking Mr. Leeresh can be just as shrewd as those scheming "Survivor" contestants.

The New York Times

By remaining as shrewd as she is witty, and by putting more of herself back in the picture.

The New Yorker

Then, turning to Mr. Pirro, he said, "Al, you're not as shrewd as they say you are".

The New York Times

As diligent and as shrewd as he may be, Minaya could not have acquired his Latin stars if Wilpon hadn't been willing to subsidize his efforts.

The New York Times

But with mid-term elections in November, the Republicans have every reason not to throw the floundering Democrats a lifeline.How did as shrewd a politician as Mr Obama find himself stalemated, if not checkmated, so early in his presidency?

The Economist

IF New York political leaders are as shrewd as they want us to believe they are, they will lose no time in tracking down Muhammad Said al-Sahhaf and signing him to a personal services contract.

The New York Times

He is as shrewd as he is foolish.

Huffington Post

Republicans can't be reasoned with based on facts -- but politically they're as shrewd as they come.

Huffington Post

13. Louis C.K. is apparently as shrewd as he is hilarious, and the NYT says his new, one-hour online special justifies all the hype.

Huffington Post

(After all, Jesus said to be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves as we deal with the stuff of earth, like that green stuff that keeps things going but is always overstepping and trespassing on our souls).

Huffington Post

Market size matters, but not as much as shrewd management.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair with concrete examples of actions, such as negotiations or political maneuvers, to anchor the adjective in context.

Common error

Do not assume that "as shrewd" always implies dishonesty. While it can suggest being calculating, in many professional contexts, it is a compliment to one's effectiveness and foresight. Clarify the intent with surrounding adverbs or context if you want to imply negative scheming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as shrewd" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used in comparisons or as a predicative adjective. In the search data provided by Ludwig, it is frequently found within the equative comparison structure "as... as" (e.g., "as shrewd as serpents"). It acts as a modifier to evaluate the level of intelligence, sharpness, or practicality of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Analysis of the search data from Ludwig confirms that "as shrewd" is a highly effective and common phrase in modern English, particularly within journalistic and political contexts. It serves as a precise tool for comparing the intellectual sharpness of individuals, often emphasizing practical or strategic wisdom over purely theoretical knowledge. Whether used to describe a "shrewd negotiator" or a "shrewd politician", the phrase carries a weight of authority and competence. While it can occasionally border on suggesting a calculating nature, it remains a primarily positive attribute in competitive fields. Writers should use "as shrewd" to denote a high degree of discernment and the ability to make sound, clever judgments in complex environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as astute

Emphasizes the ability to accurately assess situations and turn them to one's advantage, often more formal.

as clever

A more general term for intelligence that can sometimes imply quickness rather than long-term strategy.

as sharp

Metaphorical phrasing suggesting mental acuity and quick perception.

as canny

Often used to describe careful, self-interested, or worldly-wise decision making, particularly in financial contexts.

as calculating

Carries a more negative connotation of being cold or manipulative in one's intelligence.

as savvy

Focuses on practical knowledge and common sense, particularly in business or politics.

as discerning

Highlights the ability to judge well or perceive fine distinctions.

as perspicacious

A highly formal and academic alternative focusing on keenness of mental perception.

as quick-witted

Specific to verbal speed and immediate mental agility rather than long-term shrewdness.

as street-smart

Informal alternative focusing on survival intelligence and practical experience over academic knowledge.

FAQs

How do I use "as shrewd" in a sentence?

You can use it in a comparative structure like "She was <a href="/s/as+shrewd+as" target="_blank" rel="alternative">as shrewd as a seasoned diplomat" or as a descriptive phrase like "He was known <a href="/s/as+shrewd+and+tough" target="_blank" rel="alternative">as shrewd and tough in his business dealings."

What is a more formal way to say "as shrewd"?

Depending on the specific nuance, you might use "<a href="/s/as+astute" target="_blank" rel="alternative">as astute" or "<a href="/s/as+perspicacious" target="_blank" rel="alternative">as perspicacious" for a more elevated tone.

Is "as shrewd" a positive or negative description?

It is generally neutral but often leans positive in business and political contexts, implying high competence. If you want a purely positive term, consider "<a href="/s/as+wise" target="_blank" rel="alternative">as wise", and for a negative one, try "<a href="/s/as+cunning" target="_blank" rel="alternative">as cunning".

Can I use "as shrewd" for objects or only people?

While typically applied to people or their actions, you can use it to describe abstract concepts like "<a href="/s/as+shrewd+an+investment" target="_blank" rel="alternative">as shrewd an investment" to describe a clever choice.