it was shrewd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was shrewd" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decision or action that was clever, astute, or showing good judgment. Example: "In the meeting, her suggestion to invest in renewable energy was shrewd, considering the current market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was shrewd of him.

The New York Times - Books

This wasn't art, it was shrewd, clever commerce.

Independent

It was shrewd balancing act and dizzy romp both.

The New York Times

Phillips said: "It was shrewd move because a wet road reflects the sky so the same basic colouring can be used".

The Guardian - Arts

Much of it was shrewd: "If you can get on a personal basis with Mr. Churchill," she told Truman, you will find it easier.

The New York Times - Books

It was shrewd advice because, although Martin moved reluctantly in 1957, she found that her neighbours in lower Manhattan included many of the coming generation: Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Rauschenberg, Robert Indiana, James Rosenquist and Jasper Johns.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was shrewder in part because it played a key role in the creation of the derivatives index, ABX, which became the prime tool for hedging the market and driving down the price of subprime mortgage backed bonds.

Forbes

It's shrewd politics.

The New York Times

It is shrewd analysis.

The Guardian

It's not laziness, it's shrewd recycling.

The Guardian - Sport

It's shrewd marketing, signaling to parents that diversity is a priority.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was shrewd", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the cleverness or good judgment being highlighted. Provide enough information for the reader to understand why the action or decision was particularly insightful.

Common error

Avoid using "it was shrewd" as a generic compliment. Instead, specify why the action was shrewd. Without context, the phrase can sound vague and insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was shrewd" functions as a declarative statement expressing an assessment of a past action or decision. It essentially offers a positive evaluation, indicating that the action was clever, astute, or well-judged. Ludwig provides examples that show how this phrase is used to commend strategies or decisions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was shrewd" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe actions or decisions characterized by cleverness and good judgment. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides clarity on why the action was shrewd to avoid vagueness. Synonyms like "astute", "clever move", and "smart decision" can be used for variety. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase without proper context, and remember that it implies intelligence and foresight, distinguishing it from mere luck.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was astute

Replaces "shrewd" with a synonym implying keen intelligence and discernment.

it was a clever move

Substitutes "shrewd" with "clever move", focusing on the ingenuity of the action.

it was a smart decision

Uses "smart decision" instead of "shrewd", emphasizing the intelligence behind the choice.

it was a canny strategy

Replaces "shrewd" with "canny", highlighting the resourcefulness and practicality of the strategy.

it was an ingenious plan

Emphasizes the inventiveness of the plan by using "ingenious" instead of "shrewd".

it was a judicious choice

Highlights the sound judgment involved, using "judicious" as a replacement for "shrewd".

it was a sagacious action

Replaces "shrewd" with "sagacious", stressing the wisdom and foresight behind the action.

it was a prudent step

Focuses on the carefulness and foresight, using "prudent" instead of "shrewd".

it was a well-thought-out idea

Emphasizes the planning and consideration involved; less about cleverness, more about thoroughness.

it was a strategic play

Highlights the tactical advantage gained, using "strategic" as an alternative to "shrewd".

FAQs

How can I use "it was shrewd" in a sentence?

Use "it was shrewd" to describe a decision, action, or strategy that demonstrates cleverness, good judgment, or insight. For example, "Her decision to invest in that company early on, it was shrewd, and it paid off handsomely."

What are some alternatives to "it was shrewd"?

You can use alternatives like "it was astute", "it was a clever move", or "it was a smart decision" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was shrewd" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was shrewd" has a neutral tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might prefer a synonym like "astute" or "judicious".

What is the difference between "it was shrewd" and "it was lucky"?

"It was shrewd" implies intelligence and good judgment, whereas "it was lucky" suggests success due to chance or good fortune. If the outcome resulted from careful planning and insight, "it was shrewd" is the appropriate choice. If it was merely coincidental, use "it was lucky".