shrewd comments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd comments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe insightful or astute remarks made by someone, often in a context where cleverness or perceptiveness is valued. Example: "Her shrewd comments during the meeting helped us identify potential pitfalls in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Karren Brady and Nick Hewer, who would both merit more screen time, have aided this education for short, shrewd comments about what went wrong.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a shrewd comment, Amateur Economist contends that the new title and the press's general focus on polygamy when dealing with the FLDS is misleading.Why do all the stories about this talk about polygamy and not domestic abuse and statutory rape.

The Economist

Since the latter has been a shrewd commentator on the euro crisis, let us focus on his comments.

The Economist

Both of these contain shrewd philosophical comment that are of general philosophical interest.

SEP

He had a biting sense of humour, and his comments are shrewd and pithy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was a fund of shrewd advice and penetrating comment.

Independent

Vettivetpillai is shrewd enough not to comment too deeply on recent controversy over the near-£1m salary of CDC's chief executives.

The Guardian - Business

Margot's are full of pith and comment, Violet's shrewd and descriptive, Asquith's wise, and to a favoured inamorata, Venetia Stanley, affectionate.This is an engrossing book showing a gilded family so instrumental in the prosecution of the war and so affected by it in their daily lives, from the nursery to the drawing-rooms of London, the trenches and the House of Commons.

The Economist

It's a shrewd bit of show business comedy, commenting on Hollywood's disdain for writers while maintaining the show's continuing thematic concern, which is Mr. David's perpetual indignation.

The New York Times

Trump, in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, defended the comments as the mark of shrewd dealmaking, arguing that he would bring that sort of sharp business acumen with him to the White House.

Huffington Post

Mr. Kluge uses a shrewd local fixer called Big Ben to comment on the caves' import too.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrewd comments" when you want to emphasize the intelligence and perceptiveness behind someone's remarks. It is particularly effective in contexts where careful analysis and understanding are valued.

Common error

While "shrewd comments" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations where simpler terms like "smart remarks" might be more suitable. Overuse can make your language sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd comments" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "shrewd" modifies the noun "comments". According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe remarks that are insightful and perceptive. This aligns with the examples provided, highlighting the quality of the comments themselves.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shrewd comments" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term to describe insightful and perceptive remarks. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English and signals insightful observations and can replace "astute remarks". Predominantly found in news, media, and encyclopedic sources, its usage leans toward a neutral to professional register. The phrase emphasizes the quality of intelligence and understanding behind the comments. While it is important to be accurate in the level of analysis it represents, it offers a strong way to call out comments that demonstrate a high degree of understanding and acumen.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astute remarks

Replaces "shrewd" with "astute", emphasizing keen intelligence and discernment.

insightful observations

Focuses on the depth and understanding conveyed by the comments.

clever remarks

Highlights the ingenuity and quick-wittedness of the comments.

perceptive insights

Emphasizes the ability to understand and notice things others might miss.

intelligent remarks

A more general term indicating a high level of intellectual capacity.

wise observations

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment reflected in the comments.

keen insights

Stresses the sharpness and incisiveness of the observations.

smart remarks

A more informal way of saying "shrewd comments", focusing on quick intelligence.

judicious comments

Emphasizes the good judgment and careful consideration behind the comments.

penetrating observations

Highlights the depth and thoroughness of the insights.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrewd comments" to describe insightful or clever remarks made by someone, often in a context where cleverness or perceptiveness is valued. For instance, "Her "shrewd comments" during the meeting helped us identify potential pitfalls in the project."

What are some alternatives to "shrewd comments"?

Alternatives include "astute remarks", "insightful observations", or "clever remarks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "shrewd comments" from "smart comments"?

"Shrewd comments" implies a level of insight and understanding that goes beyond simple intelligence, suggesting a keen awareness of underlying dynamics, while "smart comments" generally indicates quick intelligence.

When is it most appropriate to use "shrewd comments"?

It is best to use "shrewd comments" in formal or professional settings where you want to highlight the intelligence and perceptiveness behind someone's remarks. It's suitable for describing analysis in business meetings, academic discussions, or news reports.