canny

USAGE SUMMARY

'canny' is a correct and usable word in written English.
'Canny' is an adjective that means prudent, careful, or shrewd. Example sentence: The canny investor was able to increase her profits despite the market downturn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carr, a former NSW premier, pleaded with Labor to be more "canny" and "cunning" in its political strategies and said he knew the Labor government had "lost its way" when it picked a fight over media law reform in the lead-up to a federal election – a move which "tore up the Neville Wran playbook of how to get re-elected".

The Guardian

That it should be more canny in strategising.

The Guardian

The SNP is being far more canny now.

The Guardian

One of his predecessors, Charles Kennedy, offered some wise counsel just ahead of the speech: stop fighting on so many fronts, pick a few fights, be a bit more canny, and win them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though Shirley Williams and Simon Hughes have voiced concern about his performances at prime minister's questions, this haste owes most to withdrawal symptoms among the party's anoraks and canny punters since Sir Menzies's victory in March.

The Guardian

Beyond canny use of Twitter and Facebook, and an online calendar of activities, there isn't much.

The Guardian

The whole Plaza de Toros complex underwent a refurbishment in the 1970s when canny restaurateurs realised that its high ceilings and open brickwork would provide the perfect setting for a series of bars and eateries.

The Guardian - Travel

The Italian wins in Sheffield after a canny breakaway with around 2km to go.

The Guardian - Sport

But canny savers can simply debit £500 from their existing bank account across to Santander, then set up a standing order to send it back the next day.

The Guardian - Money

That was a canny bit of legislation wasn't it?

The Guardian - Opinion

He said, for example, Labor would have been more cautious and canny to have adopted a federal version of NSW's more limited emissions trading scheme when it came to power in 2007 rather than to attempt an economy-wide scheme.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "canny" to describe someone who is not only intelligent but also practically wise and resourceful, especially in business or political contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "canny" to describe someone who is merely pleasant or agreeable. "Canny" implies shrewdness and strategic thinking, not just amiability.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "canny" primarily functions as a pre-modifier, describing a noun by attributing to it the quality of being shrewd, careful, or prudent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a level of intelligence combined with practical wisdom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "canny" describes someone or something as shrewd, prudent, and careful, often implying a level of practical intelligence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and versatile. Its usage spans from news articles discussing "canny" political strategies to business contexts highlighting wise investment decisions. While the word is considered neutral, it leans towards professional and journalistic settings. To avoid common errors, remember that "canny" denotes more than just pleasantness; it emphasizes shrewdness and strategic acumen. Remember that you can explore alternatives like "astute", "shrewd", and "prudent" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astute

Emphasizes cleverness and perceptiveness.

shrewd

Focuses on practical intelligence and resourcefulness.

prudent

Highlights wisdom and carefulness in decision-making.

cautious

Stresses the avoidance of risks and potential dangers.

discreet

Implies carefulness in order to avoid causing embarrassment or offense.

wise

Indicates deep understanding and good judgment.

clever

Highlights quick-wittedness and intelligence.

sagacious

Emphasizes profound wisdom and insight.

circumspect

Implies being wary and unwilling to take risks.

cagey

Suggests reluctance to reveal information or intentions.

FAQs

How can I use "canny" in a sentence?

You can use "canny" to describe someone as shrewd or prudent, as in "The "canny investor" made wise decisions" or "She displayed a "canny understanding" of the market trends".

What's the difference between "canny" and "cunning"?

"Canny" suggests shrewdness and wisdom, often with positive connotations of resourcefulness. "Cunning", on the other hand, often implies deception or trickery. While a "canny strategist" might be admired, a cunning one is often viewed with suspicion.

What are some synonyms for "canny"?

Alternatives to "canny" include "astute", "shrewd", "prudent", and "wise". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "canny" a formal or informal word?

"Canny" is considered a neutral word suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its usage is more common in journalistic and business settings than in casual conversation.