nous

USAGE SUMMARY

"nous" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a French word meaning "we" or "us," and is most commonly used in formal or literary writing. Example: Nous strode cautiously through the dark forest, wary of danger.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is regarded as the most eminent criminal psychologist in Britain, the real-life 'Cracker-style' profiler with the nous to worm his way into the mind of the Ipswich murderer.

The Guardian

Having written the piece, Delaney had the nous to send it to Joan Littlewood, who had turned the Theatre Royal, Stratford East into a vibrant home of new drama.

The Guardian

He was more admired for his bravery than strategic military nous.

The Guardian

Until that moment, it had never occurred to me in all the longues tête-a-tête candlelit dinners que François et moi had enjoyed over plusieurs années, que nous might have une affaire.

The Guardian - Books

If Daldry inherited his theatrical flair from his mother, who performed with an amateur dramatics society in Taunton, where he grew up, his financial nous comes from his father, a bank manager, who died when Daldry was 15.

The Guardian - Film

But by 1972, Petit was already heading the Ballet de Marseille – again mixing avant-garde experiment, classical choreography and commercial nous, for example with his 1972 Pink Floyd Ballet, a spaced-out hybrid between a ballet and a live rock concert, featuring the Floyd themselves.

The Guardian

It was Ségolène who changed tout çela quand she accused nous of having un morceau sur le coté.

The Guardian - Books

So, what about the children whose families cannot afford a private tutor or don't have the academic nous to ace these incredibly difficult exams?

The Guardian

Apres ça, nous sommes at it comme lapins in between having des conversations très serieux about le futur de la French socialist party.

The Guardian - Books

Melbourne brought Saturday night's dead rubber to life, but North Melbourne brought the nous to win by 30 points at Etihad Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

And they have political nous.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Although "nous" is defined as "common sense; practical intelligence", prefer expressions such as "common sense" if you don't aim to use the French word.

Common error

While incorporating words like "nous" can add flair, overusing them can alienate readers. Ensure your writing remains accessible and avoids unnecessary jargon.

Linguistic Context

The word "nous" functions as a noun, denoting intellect, reason, or practical wisdom. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in contexts discussing strategic and political understanding. While Ludwig AI confirms it's correct, remember its French origin when choosing to use it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nous" is a French-derived noun signifying intellect, reason, or practical wisdom. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in English, often appearing in news and media contexts. While "nous" can add sophistication to your writing, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone. Consider alternatives like "common sense" or "acumen" to ensure clarity and accessibility. Use "nous" judiciously to convey shrewdness or a deep understanding of complex situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common sense

Emphasizes practical intelligence and sound judgment in everyday situations.

practical wisdom

Highlights the application of knowledge and experience to make sensible decisions.

street smarts

Focuses on the ability to navigate complex or challenging social environments effectively.

savvy

Implies shrewdness and a good understanding of how things work, especially in business or politics.

acumen

Refers to keen insight and skill in a particular area, such as business or finance.

discernment

Stresses the ability to distinguish between different options or ideas and make sound judgments.

understanding

A broad term referring to comprehension and awareness of a particular subject or situation.

intellect

Highlights mental capacity and the ability to reason and think critically.

insight

Emphasizes the ability to understand the hidden nature of things, or to see with clarity.

judgment

Focuses on the ability to form opinions or make decisions based on careful thought and consideration.

FAQs

How do you use "nous" in a sentence?

The word "nous" is a French term meaning 'intellect' or 'practical wisdom'. It is often used to imply shrewdness or common sense. For example: "He has the political "nous" to win the election".

What does "nous" mean in English?

"Nous" is a French word that has been adopted into English, referring to intellect, mind, or reason. It can also mean practical intelligence or common sense. It's often used to describe someone with a sharp wit or keen understanding.

What are synonyms for "nous"?

Synonyms for "nous" include "common sense", "discernment", "acumen", and "savvy". The best choice depends on the specific context in which you are using the term.

Is it correct to use "nous" in formal writing?

Yes, the term "nous" can be used in formal writing, particularly when discussing intellectual or philosophical concepts. However, be mindful of your audience and ensure they are familiar with the term or provide a clear context for its meaning. In general formal writting, prefer alternative expressions that are easier to understand.