he is astute

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'he is astute' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a person who is quick to understand and learn, for example: "As a lawyer, he was astute and quickly became an expert in legal matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He is astute but not adroit.

The New Yorker

I'm pretty sure he is astute enough, I'm not silly.

The Guardian - Sport

But he is astute enough to confess that the BJP's own standards of probity have lapsed.

The Economist

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

Independent

Defenders say he is astute and politically savvy in preserving the relevance of the church.

The New York Times

He is astute: in two minutes he shows how the IRA bought up people's lives.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He was astute and highly intelligent.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He's astute, he runs galleries like a business, not a cottage industry," she says.

Independent

"He's astute, he runs galleries like a business, not a cottage industry".

Independent

"He was astute, insightful, passionate, sympathetic and remarkably prophetic," Brooke Allen wrote here last year.

The New York Times - Books

He was astute in his response to literary texts, his writing always falling naturally on the voice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is astute" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to quickly understand complex situations and make insightful decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "he is astute" in very casual conversations; simpler words like "smart" or "clever" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is astute" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of astuteness to a male subject. Astuteness implies intelligence, shrewdness, and the ability to accurately assess situations. Ludwig examples highlight this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is astute" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone possessing intelligence and shrewdness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for professional communication. While effective, consider synonyms such as "he is clever" or "he is insightful" for nuanced expression, and avoid using it in overly informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is clever

This alternative highlights general intelligence and quick-wittedness.

he is insightful

This alternative emphasizes a deep understanding of situations and people.

he is perceptive

This alternative stresses the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

he is discerning

This alternative indicates a refined ability to make good judgments and choices.

he is sharp-witted

This alternative focuses on quick and intelligent responses.

he is shrewd

This alternative implies practical intelligence and resourcefulness.

he is canny

This alternative suggests a combination of shrewdness and caution.

he is sagacious

This alternative emphasizes wisdom and deep understanding, often with age.

he is judicious

This alternative focuses on sound judgment and careful decision-making.

he has a keen mind

This alternative emphasizes intellectual ability and sharpness.

FAQs

How can I use "he is astute" in a sentence?

You can use "he is astute" to describe someone who is quick to understand situations and make smart decisions. For example: "He is astute in recognizing market trends."

What are some synonyms for "he is astute"?

Alternatives include "he is clever", "he is insightful", or "he is perceptive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he is astute" or "he is smart"?

"He is astute" is more formal and implies a deeper understanding and shrewdness than "he is smart". The best choice depends on the context and the specific qualities you want to highlight.

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "he is astute"?

Avoid using "he is astute" in very informal settings or when describing simple intelligence. Simpler terms like "he is smart" or ""he is clever"" may be more suitable in casual conversations.