astute idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"astute idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that a particular observation or thought is intelligent, keenly perceptive, and astute. Example sentence: His astute idea to use the new software for the project was the key to its success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

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

57 human-written examples

But, in the decades after the discovery of diamonds in the region, neither the British nor the Boers had a monopoly on barbarism — what with the racial millenarianism of Paul Kruger, the mercenary imperialism of Cecil Rhodes, and the venality of officials in London attracted, Meredith writes in this astute history, by the idea of "empire-building on the cheap".

The New Yorker

Despite this, even the most astute analysts have no idea what to expect with Mayer, and that is a glimmer of hope.

TechCrunch

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

Based on my conversations with American officials across the government, the U.S. has developed a grudging respect for Kayani, whom they regard as astute, straightforward, respectful of the idea of democratic government but genuinely disgusted by the current regime's thievery and ineptitude.

The New York Times - Magazine

But despite today's valuations, our panel of investors still see stocks worth buying and if their ideas are as astute as our last panel's of June 14 turned out to be, they're worth listening to (see table, "The panel's new picks").

Forbes

We need students who understand big ideas and are politically astute citizens, as well as independent and creative thinkers, problem solvers, researchers and scientific investigators.

The New York Times

Beyond the goals, behind the portrait, are the painters with the brushes at hand: astute coaches brimming with innovation and ideas.

The Guardian - Sport

When the statement was made, nearly all the astute thinkers of 2002 chuckled at the idea.

Huffington Post

An astute group portrait of the thinkers whose ideas shaped contemporary Asia.

The New York Times - Books

He patiently listened as you explained your ideas and then thoughtfully contributed astute observations that came from a deep well of wisdom and experience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "astute idea", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the intelligence or keen perception associated with the idea. This will enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "astute idea" for everyday suggestions. Save it for instances where the idea truly reflects a high level of insight or strategic thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "astute idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "astute" modifies the noun "idea". It emphasizes the quality of the idea, highlighting its intelligence and keen perception. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "astute idea" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a concept that is remarkably intelligent and perceptive. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is appropriate for emphasizing the cleverness and insight behind an idea. While not extremely common, its usage is generally found in contexts such as News & Media, implying a level of formal consideration. Alternative phrases such as "clever concept" or "insightful thought" can be used to express similar meanings with slightly different nuances. To maximize impact, reserve "astute idea" for situations where the concept genuinely showcases a significant degree of insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever concept

Replaces "astute" with "clever", focusing on ingenuity rather than sharp insight. Similarity score of 90.

shrewd plan

Substitutes "idea" with "plan" and "astute" with "shrewd", implying practicality and cleverness in execution. Similarity score of 88.

insightful thought

Replaces "idea" with "thought" and "astute" with "insightful", emphasizing depth of understanding. Similarity score of 87.

intelligent suggestion

Uses "intelligent" instead of "astute" and "suggestion" instead of "idea", framing it as a proposed solution. Similarity score of 85.

brilliant notion

Employs "brilliant" to amplify the cleverness of the "notion", adding a sense of inventiveness. Similarity score of 84.

smart proposition

Uses "smart" instead of "astute" and "proposition" instead of "idea", suggesting a business-oriented or strategic approach. Similarity score of 82.

wise counsel

Replaces "idea" with "counsel" and "astute" with "wise", suggesting advice based on profound knowledge. Similarity score of 80.

sagacious proposal

Substitutes "astute" with "sagacious" and "idea" with "proposal", conveying deep wisdom and foresight. Similarity score of 78.

perceptive concept

Replaces "astute" with "perceptive", focusing on the ability to understand and notice things easily. Similarity score of 75.

sharp innovation

Uses "sharp" to describe the clarity and effectiveness of the "innovation", implying novelty. Similarity score of 70.

FAQs

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

You can use "astute idea" to describe a concept or plan that demonstrates intelligence and keen perception. For instance, "Her "astute idea" to consolidate the departments saved the company millions".

What are some alternatives to "astute idea"?

Some alternatives include "clever concept", "shrewd plan", or "insightful thought", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "astute idea" formal or informal?

"Astute idea" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a level of intellectual sharpness and strategic thinking. It's suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What makes an idea truly "astute"?

An idea is considered "astute" when it not only addresses a problem effectively but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the underlying issues and anticipates potential challenges.