less shrewd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less shrewd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not as astute or perceptive in their judgments or decisions compared to another person or group. Example: "While his brother is known for his cunning business strategies, he has always been less shrewd in financial matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But he was politically less shrewd and knowledgeable than either Sisulu or Tambo.

Independent

Even where sellers are less shrewd, the costs of bargaining with them in series can kill a project.

The Economist

Overall I felt that in the Indian first innings England were less shrewd in their bowling and field-placing than we have come to expect during Nasser Hussain's excellent captaincy.

The Guardian - Sport

He has had six one-man shows on Broadway, and no matter how many of his former fans have, like me, fallen away over the years as his material has grown staler and less shrewd and his demeanor more intolerant and self-justifying, legions of admirers will undoubtedly track him to the Brooks Atkinson Theater, where "Laughing Room Only" opened last night.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is usually in the eyes; the shrewd, calm stare of the perfume sellers, shared by anyone who has perfected the art of sizing up and selling luxuries to the less-shrewd.

Huffington Post

Yet his silence on the issue is less politically shrewd than it seems.A hard sellEnergy policy is complicated and divisive, so easily misrepresented.

The Economist

In "Test Pilot" (Simon & Schuster), written with ANNE FARRIS, Mr. Kaplan portrays himself less as a shrewd businessman than as a David trying to level the playing field against the Goliath of the testing service.

The New York Times

Some viewed Keane's outlay on Chopra as barmy, others said it was emblematic of a ludicrously over-inflated market, but on this evidence it looks nothing less than a shrewd move.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of preaching calorie-consciousness, Lite ads featured tough guys debating whether it was better that the beer "tastes great" or that it was "less filling" (a shrewd bit of phraseology that suggested you might be able to drink more of the stuff).

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps we should expect nothing less from a shrewd individual who cofounded a firm that specializes in brand marketing.

Forbes

In his daily behavior, in fact, Trump acts less like a shrewd dealmaker than a child with pyromania, one who relieves anxiety and draws attention by starting fires.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less shrewd", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what or whom the subject is less shrewd than to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less shrewd" to imply stupidity or incompetence. It indicates a relative lack of astuteness, not a complete absence of it. Use stronger terms if you intend to convey a more severe deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less shrewd" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a lower degree of shrewdness relative to another entity or standard. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less shrewd" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a relative deficiency in astuteness or practical intelligence. While its usage is not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts. When employing "less shrewd", clarity in comparison is paramount to avoid ambiguity. Remember, it signifies a relative lack, not a complete absence, of shrewdness. Consider alternatives like "not as astute" or "more naive" based on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as astute

Emphasizes a lack of sharpness in perception or judgment.

not as canny

Highlights a deficiency in practical intelligence and resourcefulness.

less perceptive

Focuses on a reduced ability to understand subtle nuances or underlying meanings.

not so clever

A more general and informal way to indicate a lack of intelligence or skill.

somewhat naive

Suggests a lack of experience or worldly wisdom, leading to a less calculating approach.

not as sharp

Implies a reduction in mental quickness and agility.

a bit unsophisticated

Highlights a lack of refinement and worldly knowledge.

more gullible

Suggests a greater tendency to be easily deceived or tricked.

not quite so streetwise

Emphasizes a lack of practical knowledge and skills for navigating everyday situations.

less worldly

Indicates a narrower range of experiences and knowledge about the world.

FAQs

How can I use "less shrewd" in a sentence?

You can use "less shrewd" to compare someone's astuteness to another person or a particular situation. For example: "He was politically "less shrewd" than his colleagues." or "She's "less shrewd" when it comes to emotional matters."

What is a good alternative to "less shrewd"?

Alternatives to "less shrewd" include "not as astute", "not as canny", or "more naive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not shrewd" instead of "less shrewd"?

"Not shrewd" implies a complete lack of shrewdness, while ""less shrewd"" suggests a relative deficiency. The appropriate choice depends on the degree of astuteness you want to convey.

What's the difference between "less shrewd" and "unwise"?

"Less shrewd" suggests a lack of practical intelligence or astuteness in specific situations. "Unwise", on the other hand, implies poor judgment or a lack of foresight in general. Someone who is "less shrewd" might still be wise in other respects.