insightful

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'insightful' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone's observations or opinions as thoughtful and showing an understanding of the subject matter. Example sentence: Her insightful comments on the current political situation showed a deep understanding of the complexities of the issue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FT Alphaville makes a typically insightful point this morning – the cost of insuring Dutch debt against default has increased sharply in recent months, and is rather more costly than the German equivalent (having actually been cheaper a year ago).

The Guardian - Business

Insightful, sympathetic writers, such as this paper's Peter Bradshaw or the Observer's Philip French, accord Tarantino what, to me, is a mysterious degree of respect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Paul Doyle recently wrote an insightful piece on how Rodgers's tactical changes this season have kept opposition teams guessing about what they will face and have also worked to best cater to Suárez and Sturridge's strike partnership.

The Guardian - Sport

It is brought to you by Seth MacFarlane, best known for Family Guy and his nuanced, insightful, and stereotype-free takes on modern race relations.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you hang on to one insightful remark from this first week of campaigning, let it belong to Michael Ashcroft, who observed that voters realise Miliband may be the price that has to be paid for a Labour government.

The Guardian - Opinion

His successor, Donald Trelford (1975-93), referred to Jane as a "white witch" for her uncanny ability to capture, time and again, a psychologically insightful portrait.

The Guardian - Arts

Reid, along with his one-time mentor Craig Raine, is an exponent of so-called Martian poetry, which self-consciously strives to use curious visual metaphors and to describe the familiar in ­unfamiliar and insightful ways, as though through the eyes of a Martian (Raine's 1979 ­collection of poetry A Martian Sends a Postcard Home is a key text).

The Guardian - Books

In many ways I found it a more insightful interview than when Ed was interviewed by Paxman.

The Guardian - Opinion

They willingly engage fans at tournaments, and generally, charm reporters with insightful interviews.

The New York Times - Sports

After Getting On, The Grandparent Diaries and now Silverville, I'm beginning to think the absolute opposite of what I once believed – that the most insightful, exciting, profound and penetrating TV is most likely to be about very old people.

The Guardian

Here's my good news: the unconstitutionality of forcing asymptomatic healthcare workers into in-home quarantine was determined by due process of law, and a courageous and insightful judge agreed with science and public health law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "insightful" to describe analyses, comments, or individuals that demonstrate a deep understanding and offer a fresh perspective. For instance, "Her insightful analysis revealed hidden connections."

Common error

Avoid using "insightful" for mundane observations. Reserve it for situations where genuine depth and understanding are evident. Instead of saying "He made an insightful comment about the weather", try "He commented on the weather".

Linguistic Context

The word "insightful" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing something as possessing or demonstrating insight. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this adjective is used to characterize observations or opinions that display a thoughtful understanding of the subject matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insightful" is a versatile adjective used to describe something displaying deep understanding and perceptive qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, notably in News & Media. While it's appropriate for formal and informal contexts, remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely reflect depth, and use alternative options like "perceptive" or "astute" as needed. Use "insightful" to elevate your writing by showcasing a clear and thorough comprehension of the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perceptive

Focuses on the ability to understand or notice things quickly and accurately.

discerning

Emphasizes the ability to judge well; possessing keen discrimination.

astute

Highlights shrewdness and the ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.

shrewd

Implies cleverness and practicality in judgment.

penetrating

Suggests a deep and thorough understanding that goes beyond the surface.

profound

Emphasizes the depth and significance of understanding.

illuminating

Highlights the ability to clarify or shed light on a subject.

visionary

Focuses on the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.

enlightening

Suggests providing greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.

thoughtful

Implies careful consideration and reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "insightful" in a sentence?

Use "insightful" to describe something or someone showing a clear and deep understanding. For example, "The article provided an "insightful analysis" of the economic situation".

What are some alternatives to "insightful"?

You can use alternatives like "perceptive", "discerning", or "astute" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "insightful" in formal writing?

Yes, "insightful" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys intelligence and deep understanding, making it suitable for academic papers, reports, and professional communications.

What's the difference between "insightful" and "informative"?

"Informative" means providing useful information, while "insightful" means providing a deep understanding or new perspective. An "insightful analysis" is not just informative; it also offers a deeper understanding of the subject.