more astute than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more astute than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the intelligence or perceptiveness of one person or thing to another. Example: "She is more astute than her colleagues when it comes to understanding market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But Mr Wilders has proved more astute than his predecessors.

The Economist

But he was always politically more astute than his brother.

The Guardian

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

Independent

In many cases, Mr. Cirker's tastes proved more astute than those of his authors.

The New York Times - Books

She's more astute than Renate and far less easy to deal with.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In this, United Artists was far more astute than Capitol Records, the American arm of EMI, the Beatles Britishh label.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

He was criticised at the time, but his words look more astute now than they were ever given credit for.

The Guardian - Sport

McCrum's biography makes it clear that he was a much more astute figure than is sometimes supposed.

The Guardian - Books

Michael Clarke, a stronger and more astute individual than his image suggests, stepped in to lead the leaderless into the wilderness.

The Guardian - Sport

(Ms. Zolotow turned out to be a more astute handicapper than even she had realized: "The Effect of Gamma Rays," produced belatedly Off Broadway in 1970 with Sada Thompson as the mother, won the Pulitzer Prize for drama the next year).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing individuals or entities, ensure the context clearly defines what "astuteness" entails to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'He is more astute than his brother', specify 'He is more astute than his brother in financial matters'.

Common error

Avoid using "more astute than" as a generic compliment; ensure the context demonstrates a specific skill or area of expertise where the comparison is valid. Don't say, 'She's more astute', without clarifying the domain of her astuteness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more astute than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to attribute a higher degree of shrewdness, insight, or intelligence to one subject when compared to another. It's a construction commonly seen in various contexts according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more astute than" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that one entity is more perceptive or intelligent than another. As verified by Ludwig, it sees frequent use in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the specific area of astuteness is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "sharper than" or "more insightful than" to adjust the nuance, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharper than

Emphasizes quickness and keenness of intellect.

more insightful than

Focuses on the depth of understanding and perception.

more perceptive than

Highlights the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

more clever than

Stresses ingenuity and resourcefulness.

wiser than

Emphasizes experience and good judgment.

more discerning than

Focuses on the ability to distinguish between subtle differences.

more intelligent than

Highlights a generally higher intellectual capacity.

more shrewd than

Emphasizes practicality and cleverness.

more cunning than

Implies a degree of slyness or craftiness.

more ingenious than

Highlights inventiveness and cleverness of design.

FAQs

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

Use "more astute than" to compare two subjects, highlighting one's superior insight or shrewdness. For example, "In business negotiations, she proved "more astute than" her counterpart."

What are some alternatives to saying "more astute than"?

Alternatives include "sharper than", "more perceptive than", or "more discerning than", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of intelligence or insight.

Is it always appropriate to use "more astute than" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In highly formal settings, alternatives like "more insightful" or "more judicious" might be preferable depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "more astute than" and "more clever than"?

"More astute than" suggests a deeper understanding or shrewdness, often implying experience or insight. "More clever than", on the other hand, typically refers to quick-wittedness or ingenuity.