shrewd face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a clever or astute expression, often implying that they are perceptive or cunning. Example: "He entered the room with a shrewd face, as if he was already calculating his next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Anger pulses from Lee's thin, shrewd face, with clenched teeth that resemble angry little white squares like tiny tiles.

The Guardian - Film

Pat Riley, whose shrewd face has now taken on a patina of grandfatherly sagacity, pops onto the screen in all his sleek, cuckolding glory, the betrayer who notified the Knicks of his departure by fax — and left them for Miami.

The New Yorker

It is right there in the first portrait, of the bishop of Treviso, his light blue eyes tenacious and shrewd, face as tense as the hand gripping a legal scroll probably related to his campaigns against corrupt local grandees.

The Guardian - Arts

Jacob Trip, industrialist, appears as a wizened but hawkish potentate in his 80s; not a spent force so much as a figure of terrific authority, given stature by his pose, but also by the intense massing of paint in the shrewd face.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Leo calls her “squat, bejeweled, pummeled, shrewd-faced.

Forbes

Meanwhile, in the rising lawyer Lee Kuan Yew, Howard discerns an "impatience and intolerance in the shrewd chiselled face".

The Guardian - Books

Then there's the portrait of him, after Holbein: a dewlapped man in dark robes with a shrewd, unfriendly face, holding a folded paper like an upturned dagger.

The Guardian - Books

Non-professional David Bradley plays Billy Casper, the lad with the unforgettably pinched, shrewd, hungry face at the Barnsley comp where brutal teachers cane kids for things they haven't done.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Locke's supporters say that while he might have been more reserved early in his tenure, he had evolved into a shrewd executive who, faced with a $2.4 billion budget shortfall this year, wrestled the Legislature into balancing the budget while protecting social services and refusing to raise taxes.

The New York Times

Profitability requires asset-management skills and shrewd marketing in the face of competition from banks and mutual funds.In this section Happy returns Crunch!

The Economist

And how to move that massive monument even an inch, that grande dame of French letters with the mop of hair, the rouged face, the shrewd eyes ringed with kohl?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "shrewd face" to concisely convey intelligence and a calculating nature without explicitly stating it. This adds depth and intrigue to the description.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "shrewd face" to describe the same character, as it can become repetitive and weaken your writing. Instead, vary your descriptions with other facial features or expressions that convey similar qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd face" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "face". It is used to attribute a quality of intelligence, astuteness, or cunning to a person based on their facial appearance. This is supported by Ludwig examples which often appear in literary contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

Books

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrewd face" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, most often found in news and media, arts and books. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It is used to describe someone with an intelligent, perceptive, or calculating expression. While not overly common, the phrase appears in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New Yorker. When using "shrewd face", consider the context to ensure that the connotation aligns with your intended meaning, as it can sometimes imply cunning or manipulation. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives such as "astute countenance" or "intelligent expression".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astute countenance

Replaces "shrewd" with "astute" and "face" with "countenance", altering both words while keeping a formal tone.

clever features

Substitutes "shrewd" for "clever" and "face" for "features", resulting in a less intense and more general meaning.

intelligent expression

Replaces "shrewd face" with a phrase that emphasizes intellect through visible expression, shifting from a physical attribute to a displayed characteristic.

knowing gaze

Focuses on the eyes ("gaze") instead of the entire face, implying awareness and understanding.

sharp features

Uses "sharp" in place of "shrewd" to suggest a keen or perceptive appearance, altering the specific descriptor.

calculating look

Replaces "shrewd face" with a phrase that emphasizes the intent behind the expression, hinting at planning or manipulation.

wise visage

Replaces "shrewd" with "wise" and "face" with "visage", elevating the perceived quality to wisdom.

perceptive look

Focuses on the perceptive quality of the person's expression rather than their cunning.

cunning features

Emphasizes craftiness and deceit in place of general intelligence.

wily expression

Replaces "shrewd" with "wily" to denote slyness and trickery in the facial expression.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a "shrewd face"?

You can describe someone with a "shrewd face" by focusing on specific features like their eyes or mouth, or by using alternative phrases such as "astute countenance" or "intelligent expression".

What does it mean to have a "shrewd face"?

Having a "shrewd face" suggests intelligence, perceptiveness, and often a calculating or cunning nature. It implies that the person is astute and able to assess situations quickly.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the phrase "shrewd face"?

While "shrewd" generally implies intelligence, it can sometimes have negative connotations, suggesting that someone is cunning or manipulative. The context in which the phrase is used will determine its overall impact.

Which is a better descriptor: "shrewd face" or "clever face"?

The choice between "shrewd face" and "clever face" depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Shrewd" implies a more calculating and perceptive intelligence, while "clever face" simply suggests quick-wittedness.