shrewd enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is astute or clever in making decisions or judgments. Example: "She was shrewd enough to recognize the potential in the investment before others did."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

England were shrewd enough to target the small straight boundaries created by the ground being remodelled.

Independent

He's shrewd enough to make David not a monster but a plausibly selfish man.

The New Yorker

Kemp had no agent, but he was shrewd enough to reject the first offer.

The New York Times - Sports

He is probably shrewd enough to realise this; most opinion polls indicate he should go.

The Economist

Sue was shrewd enough to begin dealing in parlor stoves when the oil crisis hit.

The New Yorker

Still, he was shrewd enough to maintain ties with the West.

The New York Times

More important, Ibanez has been shrewd enough to learn from them all.

The New York Times - Sports

Houllier is shrewd enough to take the lessons of last night on board at once.

The Guardian - Sport

His coach was shrewd enough to leave his captain to his own devices.

The Guardian - Sport

But Andrews was also shrewd enough to keep key Chekhov images.

The Guardian

England has enviable riches of talent and, at last, a manager shrewd enough to exploit them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shrewd enough to", ensure that the action following 'to' logically results from the shrewdness. For example, 'He was shrewd enough to invest early' implies his shrewdness led to the investment.

Common error

Avoid vague attributions. Instead of saying 'They were shrewd enough to succeed', specify what actions demonstrated their shrewdness. A clearer version might be: 'They were shrewd enough to negotiate favorable terms, ensuring their success'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd enough to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject by indicating they possess the necessary astuteness or cleverness to achieve a certain outcome. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrewd enough to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes someone's capacity to achieve a goal due to their astuteness and intelligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and applicable across different writing styles and contexts. While often found in News & Media, it’s also suitable for Formal & Business settings. Remember to specify the actions that demonstrate the shrewdness for better clarity. Alternatives include phrases like "clever enough to" or "smart enough to", ensuring the best choice aligns with the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever enough to

Highlights general intelligence or quick-wittedness as the enabling factor.

smart enough to

Emphasizes intelligence and awareness as the key attributes.

wise enough to

Focuses on good judgement and experience as the basis for action.

astute enough to

Suggests a keen understanding and ability to perceive subtle nuances.

intelligent enough to

Indicates a high level of cognitive ability.

cunning enough to

Implies a degree of deception or manipulation in achieving the goal.

perceptive enough to

Highlights the ability to notice and understand things that others might miss.

discerning enough to

Emphasizes the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

savvy enough to

Denotes practical intelligence and knowledge of how things work.

sharp enough to

Indicates a quick mind and an ability to react effectively to situations.

FAQs

How can I use "shrewd enough to" in a sentence?

Use "shrewd enough to" to indicate someone's intelligence or cleverness enabled them to perform a specific action. For example, "The negotiator was "shrewd enough to" secure a favorable deal".

What are some alternatives to "shrewd enough to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "clever enough to", "smart enough to", or "wise enough to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "shrewd enough to" or "smart enough to"?

Both "shrewd enough to" and "smart enough to" are correct, but "shrewd" often implies a level of practical cunning or astuteness, especially in business or negotiations, while "smart" is more general.

What does "shrewd" really mean in the phrase "shrewd enough to"?

In the context of "shrewd enough to", "shrewd" suggests someone is astute, perceptive, and capable of making advantageous decisions, often in complex or challenging situations. It implies more than just intelligence; it includes a practical, insightful understanding.