astute enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "astute enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has the ability to understand and assess situations effectively, often in a context where their insight or cleverness is being highlighted. Example: "She was astute enough to recognize the potential risks before making her investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he is astute enough to confess that the BJP's own standards of probity have lapsed.

The Economist

I wish I'd been astute enough to realize that the rehearsal schedule was unworkable.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Cameron was astute enough to have a few private doubts about the war, but he voted in favour.

Independent

The trick, he said, is to be "astute enough to pick out the patterns that connect you to the DNA".

The New York Times - Science

Some are astute enough to recognize that the alleged imminent W.M.D. threat to the U.S. was a pretext.

The New Yorker

But then things do seem to have a habit of coming her way, although she's astute enough to acknowledge this.

The Guardian - Film

Bush, about six months into his presidency, was astute enough to ask for a threat assessment on the home front.

The New York Times

"Roger Tilles is astute enough to know the ability to effectively compromise is what solves problems," he said.

The New York Times

Ravenhill is astute enough to allow a measure of sympathy for the military officials forced to follow inflexible rules.

The Guardian

Both were astute enough to subsequently register as felons with the authorities elsewhere, a requirement of released convicts, further cementing the impression that their freedom was legitimately obtained.

The New York Times

Whatever his past, Mr. Khalid is astute enough to heed warnings from officials worried about the implications of his actions, one American official said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "astute enough to" when you want to emphasize someone's cleverness or insight in recognizing or handling a situation effectively.

Common error

While "astute enough to" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "smart enough to" or "clever enough to" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "astute enough to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the subject's capacity to understand or act wisely in a given situation. This is supported by Ludwig examples, where it often qualifies individuals in positions of decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "astute enough to" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjectival phrase that describes someone's ability to understand and effectively navigate situations, according to Ludwig AI. Primarily found in News & Media, it carries a neutral to formal tone, suitable for professional contexts. When aiming for simpler expression, alternatives like "clever enough to" or "smart enough to" may be considered. The key is to emphasize keen awareness and practical intelligence, which is what "astute enough to" effectively communicates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever enough to

Replaces "astute" with a more common synonym, slightly decreasing formality.

smart enough to

Uses a simpler and more direct synonym for "astute", suitable for less formal contexts.

wise enough to

Suggests a deeper level of understanding and judgment than "astute enough to".

perceptive enough to

Emphasizes the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

discerning enough to

Highlights the ability to distinguish between different options or possibilities.

shrewd enough to

Implies a practical intelligence and ability to navigate complex situations.

insightful enough to

Focuses on the depth of understanding and ability to see beyond the surface.

sharp enough to

Indicates quickness and accuracy in understanding.

intelligent enough to

Uses a more general term for mental capacity, broadening the context.

knowledgeable enough to

Stresses the possession of information as the basis for understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "astute enough to" in a sentence?

Use "astute enough to" when describing someone's ability to cleverly understand a situation, such as, "She was "astute enough to" anticipate her opponent's next move".

What can I say instead of "astute enough to"?

You can use alternatives like "clever enough to", "smart enough to", or "shrewd enough to" depending on the context.

Is "astute enough to" formal or informal?

"Astute enough to" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, consider using "smart enough to" or "clever enough to" instead.

What's the difference between "astute enough to" and "intelligent enough to"?

"Astute enough to" implies a practical cleverness and shrewdness in understanding situations, whereas "intelligent enough to" refers to general mental capacity. "Astute" suggests a keen awareness, while "intelligent" is broader.