he is shrewd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is shrewd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is astute, clever, or has good judgment, often in practical matters. Example: "In negotiations, he is shrewd, always knowing how to get the best deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He is shrewd, knows the territory and loved living here.

The New York Times - Sports

He doesn't have Parsley's imposing presence, but he is shrewd, energetic, and highly articulate.

The New Yorker

A former boxer with a habitual snarl, he may be uncharismatic but he is shrewd.

The Economist

He is shrewd enough to realise that, in victory, the worst sort of politicians feel obliged to display their gratitude.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is shrewd, urbane and consistently engaging, but the ratio of effort expended to results achieved seems badly askew.

The New York Times - Books

He thinks he is shrewd enough to beat the whites at their own game and arranges with an accomplice to gather enough shares to get control.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Or maybe he is shrewder than that.

The Guardian - Sport

He's shrewd.

The New Yorker

He was shrewd not to stay for the football.

The Guardian - Sport

He was shrewd tactically (characteristically erring towards attack).

The Guardian - Sport

He was shrewd, always careful not to promise more than he could deliver.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is shrewd" to describe someone known for their cleverness, especially in business or politics. It implies they are intelligent and resourceful in achieving their goals.

Common error

Avoid using "he is shrewd" in very casual settings. While grammatically correct, it has a slightly formal tone. Alternatives like "he's smart" or "he's clever" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"He is shrewd" serves as a descriptive phrase, attributing a quality of astuteness or cleverness to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and common usage, indicating its role in characterizing individuals. The phrase functions to highlight someone's intelligence and ability to navigate situations effectively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is shrewd" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily used to describe someone who is astute, clever, and possesses good judgment, especially in practical matters. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a common phrase, particularly prevalent in News & Media. While appropriate for formal writing, it might be slightly less suitable for very casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "he is astute" or "he is clever" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a practical, sometimes cunning, intelligence, which might not always be perceived as entirely positive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is astute

Replaces "shrewd" with a more formal term suggesting sharp intelligence and discernment.

he is clever

Substitutes "shrewd" with a general term for quick-witted intelligence.

he is canny

Replaces "shrewd" with a term suggesting practical intelligence and resourcefulness.

he is sharp-witted

Replaces "shrewd" with a phrase emphasizing quick and insightful thinking.

he is sagacious

Substitutes "shrewd" with a formal term denoting wisdom and good judgment.

he is insightful

Replaces "shrewd" with a term emphasizing deep understanding and perception.

he is perceptive

Substitutes "shrewd" with a term suggesting keen observation and understanding.

he is astute in his judgment

Adds context by specifying that his shrewdness applies to decision-making abilities.

he has a knack for strategy

Shifts the focus from general shrewdness to a specific skill in strategic thinking.

he thinks strategically

Focuses on the strategic aspect of his shrewdness, emphasizing planning skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "he is shrewd" to describe someone who is clever and astute in practical matters. For example, "He is shrewd in negotiations, always securing the best deals".

What are some alternatives to "he is shrewd"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "he is shrewd" in formal writing?

Yes, "he is shrewd" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a sophisticated way to describe someone who is intelligent and perceptive, particularly in business or political contexts.

What's the difference between "he is shrewd" and "he is smart"?

"He is smart" is a general term for intelligence. "He is shrewd" implies a practical, often cunning, intelligence, especially in business or negotiations. Shrewdness suggests an ability to see and exploit opportunities.