shrewd men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd men" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe men who are astute, clever, or have good judgment, often in a business or strategic context. Example: "The shrewd men of the boardroom quickly devised a plan to outmaneuver their competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dealers are shrewd men who know how to hold on to their money.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"John is a shrewd man.

The New York Times - Sports

Mallett is a shrewd man and he knows that.

The Guardian - Sport

Bob Willis, the former England bowler and Sky commentator, suggested the idea – what a shrewd man he is.

Independent

Shea, a shrewd man, had already seen what lay at the heart of the owners' resistance to expansion: pay television.

The New Yorker

But he is a shrewd man and thoughtful, and he has a good vantage point from which to watch the debate as it is unfolding in Europe.

The Economist

He was a bright, shrewd man who had passed the grammar school exam but didn't go, because his mother couldn't afford the uniform.

The Guardian - Film

Martin was very rah, rah, rah," says Grazioli, banging the table, "but Lawrie's more laid-back, a very shrewd man, very bright".

The Guardian - Sport

But William Monk, a hard, shrewd man who serves this series as "a kind of private policeman," puts little faith in appearances and is not easily shocked.

The New York Times - Books

Letta is a shrewd man, and everyone in his party understands that if they fail to make at least some real progress toward reform and economic health they will be flayed alive in the next elections.

The New Yorker

The head of the Canadian Pacific Railway Investigations Department, a placid, shrewd man named Jean E. Bélanger, had looked into countless accidents of one kind or another, but until then he had never — to his great satisfaction — had occasion to investigate a plane crash.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing groups of people, consider the specific context and connotation you want to convey. "Shrewd men" is appropriate when emphasizing intelligence and strategic thinking, particularly in business or political contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "shrewd men" as a blanket term for all men. Shrewdness implies a specific type of intelligence and strategic thinking, not a general characteristic. Be sure the term accurately reflects the individuals being described.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun. The phrase "shrewd men" functions to describe a group of men characterized by their astuteness and cleverness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shrewd men" is a grammatically sound and usable expression used to describe men who are astute and clever, particularly in strategic or business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not highly frequent, it finds its primary usage in news and media. Alternative phrases include "astute individuals" and "clever fellows". When using this phrase, consider the context and potential connotations to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning without overgeneralizing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Astute individuals

Focuses on sharpness and perceptiveness.

Clever fellows

Emphasizes quick-wittedness and ingenuity.

Wise guys

Implies street smarts and practical intelligence.

Sharp operators

Highlights business acumen and strategic skill.

Savvy leaders

Focuses on informed decision-making and understanding.

Prudent strategists

Stresses careful planning and foresight.

Insightful thinkers

Highlights depth of understanding and analytical skills.

Judicious minds

Emphasizes sound judgment and careful consideration.

Cunning tacticians

Implies skillful maneuvering and strategic planning.

Resourceful innovators

Focuses on finding clever ways to overcome challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrewd men" to describe a group of men who are astute, clever, or have good judgment, especially in business or strategic situations. For instance: "The "shrewd men" of the council devised a clever plan."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "shrewd men"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "astute individuals", "clever fellows", or "savvy leaders" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "shrewd men" always a positive description?

While "shrewd" generally implies intelligence and astuteness, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting cunning or manipulation. Consider the context to ensure it conveys the intended meaning.

In what contexts is the phrase "shrewd men" most commonly used?

The phrase "shrewd men" is often used in contexts related to business, politics, or strategy, where intelligence and strategic thinking are highly valued.