more astute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more astute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is more perceptive, insightful, or shrewd than others in a particular context. Example: "After analyzing the situation, I realized that her observations were more astute than mine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At philosophy Federico was even more astute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Mr Wilders has proved more astute than his predecessors.

The Economist

But he was always politically more astute than his brother.

The Guardian

Chalmers is seen as one of Labor's more astute thinkers.

The Guardian

Richard said one of his more astute predictions was to wear a tie today.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"He's better than Wren with clients, much better and politically more astute.

The Economist

But she needs a more astute director than Madonna, and a much better film than "W.E".

The New Yorker

Vincent said that since his retirement, he has become much more astute about injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

The Life of Brian gag was more astute than Monty Python realised.

Independent

As more astute members of Congress came to recognize, the subsidies were a mistake.

The New York Times

At Derby, as experienced defender Richard Keogh acknowledges, the McClaren touch is proving altogether more astute.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the intelligence or understanding of two subjects, use "more astute" to emphasize a subtle but significant difference in their ability to perceive and comprehend situations or information. For example, "Her analysis was "more astute" than his, revealing a deeper understanding of the underlying issues."

Common error

Avoid using "more astute" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be appropriate. While generally acceptable, its slightly informal tone can sometimes detract from the overall authority of the text. Consider alternatives like "more insightful" or "more perceptive" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more astute" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a higher degree of shrewdness, insight, or understanding compared to someone or something else. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more astute" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize a heightened level of shrewdness or insight, particularly in contexts related to news, media, and academic discussions. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the specific nuance required for the writing context, opting for alternatives like "more perceptive" or "more insightful" when appropriate. Overall, "more astute" remains a valuable tool for nuanced expression in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more perceptive

Focuses on the ability to notice and understand subtle details, highlighting enhanced observation skills.

more insightful

Emphasizes a deeper understanding of situations or people, suggesting a greater level of wisdom.

more shrewd

Highlights practical intelligence and the ability to make wise judgments in challenging situations.

more discerning

Indicates a refined ability to distinguish between subtle differences, suggesting enhanced judgment.

more sagacious

Suggests profound wisdom and foresight, often associated with experience and careful consideration.

more clever

Focuses on quick-wittedness and ingenuity, highlighting intelligence and resourcefulness.

more sharp-witted

Emphasizes mental agility and the ability to think and respond quickly and effectively.

more quick-thinking

Highlights the ability to think rapidly and make effective decisions under pressure.

more ingenious

Focuses on inventiveness and the ability to create clever solutions to complex problems.

more sagacious

Highlights wisdom and good judgment, often associated with experience and careful thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "more astute" in a sentence?

You can use "more astute" to compare someone's sharpness or cleverness with another. For example, "She proved to be "more astute" than her colleagues in recognizing the market trend."

What's the difference between "more astute" and "more intelligent"?

"More intelligent" refers to a general capacity for learning and understanding, while "more astute" suggests a specific sharpness or cleverness in a particular situation. Someone can be generally intelligent but not particularly astute in a specific context.

What are some alternatives to saying "more astute"?

You can use alternatives like "more perceptive", "more insightful", or "more shrewd" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "more astute"?

While generally correct, "more astute" might be less appropriate in very formal or technical contexts where a more precise term is needed. In such cases, consider alternatives like "more accurate" or "more precise".