be astute about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be astute about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be perceptive or shrewd regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "In negotiations, it's important to be astute about the other party's needs and motivations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Plenty of comics can trade boozy banter with the front few rows, far fewer be astute about the invasion of Iraq.

The Guardian

Be astute about the person you have your eye on.

WikiHow

Be astute about what is the very best of your output and only put that forward as worthy of getting shared around.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The play is astute about the nature of tribes.

Independent

Although a gentle writer, Kynaston is astute about violence.

The Guardian - Books

But even in her bleakest moments, Ifemelu is astute about the new attitudes she encounters.

The New York Times - Books

He is astute about money (unlike some of his wastrel colleagues).

Independent

Mattison is astute about how children, one way or another, reliably thwart their parents' delusions of control.

The New York Times - Books

Kirkwood is astute about the current desperation to find a foothold in "the creative industries" and the exploitation that results.

The Guardian

Like them, she's astute about the limitations that the world sets on her ambitions, but the ambitions are more realistic and the limitations more relaxed.

The New Yorker

Yates's beautifully formed book is astute about the postwar era in a way that suggests far greater hindsight (it was published in 1961).

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be astute about", specify the area or topic where the astuteness is needed to provide clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "be astute about" without a specific object. For example, instead of saying "It's important to be astute", specify what one should be astute about, like "It's important to "be astute about" market trends".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be astute about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, indicating a need for quick and critical discernment. It suggests applying shrewdness to a specific area or topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be astute about" encourages perceptive and shrewd understanding in specific situations. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically sound and usable phrase, though relatively rare in occurrence. Primarily found in news and media and wiki contexts, this phrase advises one to be critically discerning. When using "be astute about", it's best to specify the area requiring astuteness to provide clarity and impact. Related phrases include "be shrewd about", "be perceptive about", and "be insightful about".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be shrewd about

Focuses more on practical intelligence and cleverness.

be perceptive about

Emphasizes keen observation and understanding.

be canny about

Highlights a cautious and calculating approach.

be insightful about

Stresses a deep understanding and awareness.

be sharp about

Implies quickness and precision in understanding.

be clever about

Suggests inventiveness and resourcefulness.

be judicious about

Highlights the use of good judgement and caution.

be wise about

Focuses on knowledge and understanding.

be discerning about

Emphasizes the ability to discriminate and evaluate.

be knowing about

Implies possessing insider knowledge or awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "be astute about" in a sentence?

You can use "be astute about" to advise someone to be perceptive or shrewd regarding a particular subject or situation. For example: "In negotiations, it's important to "be astute about" the other party's needs and motivations".

What are some alternatives to "be astute about"?

You can use alternatives like "be shrewd about", "be perceptive about", or "be insightful about" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "be astute of" or "be astute about"?

"Be astute of" is grammatically correct but less common. "Be astute about" is more frequently used and generally preferred when referring to a specific subject or situation.

What does it mean to "be astute about" something?

To "be astute about" something means to be quick to understand it and critically discerning. It implies being shrewd and perceptive in one's assessment.