be shrewd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be shrewd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to be astute, clever, or perceptive in their decisions or actions. Example: "In business negotiations, it's important to be shrewd to secure the best deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may be shrewd, too.

The New Yorker

His rhetoric can be shrewd.

The New York Times - Books

He could be shrewd and pragmatic.

The New York Times

We have to be shrewd and careful.

The Guardian

But the president does need to be shrewd.

The Economist

They could be shrewd additions at the right price.

The Guardian - Sport

It could be shrewd in dollars and cents, too.

The Washington Post

He shows Richard Holbrooke to be shrewd at diplomacy.

The New York Times

"First be honest and then be shrewd," she urges.

The New York Times

Blinking is never pleasant but can be shrewd.

The New York Times

So artists, like anyone else, need to be shrewd about windfalls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "be shrewd", provide specific examples of what shrewd behavior looks like in that context. For example, "To succeed in this negotiation, be shrewd and anticipate their counter-offers."

Common error

While "be shrewd" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound manipulative. Instead, consider more neutral alternatives like "exercise caution" or "act strategically."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be shrewd" functions as an imperative, often advising or urging someone to act in a clever and astute manner. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

14%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be shrewd" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that encourages astuteness and cleverness in decision-making. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is most frequently used in News & Media, followed by Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives such as "be astute" or "exercise prudence" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using the phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples of what shrewd behavior entails and to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts to maintain a neutral and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be astute

Highlights the quality of being perceptive and insightful.

use good judgment

Focuses on making sound decisions based on careful evaluation.

play it smart

Suggests handling a situation cleverly and effectively.

exercise prudence

Focuses on careful and cautious decision-making.

think strategically

Emphasizes a planned and deliberate approach to achieve a specific goal.

act wisely

Emphasizes good judgment and intelligence in actions.

be perceptive

Focuses on the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

display acumen

Highlights keen insight and sharp understanding.

be canny

Highlights skill in being practical and avoiding deception.

demonstrate foresight

Stresses the ability to anticipate future events and plan accordingly.

FAQs

How can I use "be shrewd" in a sentence?

You can use "be shrewd" to advise someone to act in a clever and astute manner, especially in situations requiring careful judgment. For example, "In business negotiations, it's crucial to "be shrewd" to secure the best deal."

What does it mean to "be shrewd"?

To "be shrewd" means to be astute, clever, and sharp-witted in practical affairs. It suggests having a keen understanding of situations and people, and using that knowledge to one's advantage.

What can I say instead of "be shrewd"?

You can use alternatives like "be astute", "exercise prudence", or "use good judgment" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to "be shrewd"?

While being shrewd often implies cleverness and intelligence, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it suggests being cunning or manipulative. The context determines whether it's seen as a positive trait or not.