be shrewd about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be shrewd about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to be wise, astute, or clever in their decisions or actions regarding a particular situation. Example: "In business negotiations, it's important to be shrewd about your offers and counteroffers to achieve the best outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

You can run down the list of all the things that happened to these people in this series, and you see some pretty amazing things, turns of events with the cameras rolling, that you would think, if someone was really trying to be shrewd about it, it wouldn't have happened that way.

The New York Times

Be shrewd about ensuring you have time to complete your priorities for the day, and if you have time to do some of your minor priorities, great, but don't get yourself into a state of being overwhelmed, it's not conducive to being productive.

Forbes

Be shrewd about how you interface with the music business.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Coccio is shrewd about depicting minute complications.

The New York Times

Mr. Pandit has been shrewd about playing down his interest in the job.

The New York Times

She's shrewd about noting the status and position of black girls at school.

The Guardian - Books

Professor X is shrewd about the reasons it's hard to teach underprepared students how to write.

The New Yorker

Though still a girl, and very much under the sway of her father, Ashima is shrewd about her career and oddly self-sufficient where business is concerned.

The New Yorker

When he is not taking on trends in modern thought, Professor X is shrewd about the reasons it's hard to teach underprepared students how to write.

The New Yorker

But his mood swung back during Genfa's 40-minute presentation as the CEO spoke precisely and clearly about the numbers it was obvious he was shrewd about the market.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice using "be shrewd about", clearly specify the area where shrewdness is needed. For example, "Be shrewd about your investments" is more effective than just "Be shrewd."

Common error

Avoid using "be shrewd about" in contexts where sensitivity or empathy is more appropriate. Shrewdness can sometimes be perceived as cold or calculating. "Be shrewd about understanding others' feelings" might be better phrased as "Be sensitive to others' feelings."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be shrewd about" functions as a directive, advising someone to exercise intelligence and astuteness in a particular area. Ludwig AI shows this directive function in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be shrewd about" is a directive phrase used to advise someone to exercise intelligence and careful planning in a specific situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its frequency is rare. It's best suited for neutral contexts, such as news or business, where strategic thinking is valued. While alternatives like "be wise about" or "be sensible about" exist, "be shrewd about" specifically emphasizes astuteness and awareness of opportunities and risks. Always ensure the context warrants its use, as shrewdness may not be appropriate in situations requiring empathy or sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sensible about

Emphasizes practicality and sound judgment.

be clever about

Highlights intelligence and ingenuity.

be intelligent about

Focuses on using intellect and understanding.

be wise about

Suggests deep understanding and good judgment.

be prudent about

Highlights caution and careful planning.

be astute about

Focuses on keen observation and understanding.

be sharp about

Emphasizes quick thinking and awareness.

be discerning about

Suggests careful evaluation and judgment.

be canny about

Highlights shrewdness and resourcefulness, often in business contexts.

be tactical about

Emphasizes strategic planning and execution.

FAQs

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

You can use "be shrewd about" to advise someone to be wise and careful in a particular situation. For example, "Artists, like anyone else, need to "be shrewd about" windfalls".

What does "be shrewd about" mean?

The phrase "be shrewd about" means to be astute, clever, and wise in dealing with something, often implying careful planning and an awareness of potential risks and opportunities. You may consider alternatives like "be sensible about" or "be clever about".

Are there any synonyms for "be shrewd about"?

Yes, synonyms include "be wise about", "be prudent about", and "be astute about". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to "be shrewd about" everything?

No, being shrewd is not always appropriate. Sometimes, empathy or generosity is more suitable. Use "be shrewd about" in situations where careful planning and awareness of risks and opportunities are important, but avoid it when dealing with sensitive interpersonal matters.