shrewd minds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd minds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who are astute, clever, or perceptive in their thinking or decision-making. Example: "In the world of business, shrewd minds often find innovative solutions to complex problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had natural movie star good looks and a shrewd mind.

The New York Times

Elected officials, taken aback by his zeal and shrewd mind, were soon approaching him for advice.

The New York Times

But her pleasant manner hid a shrewd mind and strong political beliefs.

The Guardian

It was the ease of an organised, brisk, shrewd mind that sifted words internally before uttering them.

The Guardian - Books

But a shrewd mind and wry sense of humor assert themselves eloquently in an austere tribal idiom that eschews such fluff as prepositions and rarely departs from the present tense of language -- and of life.

The New York Times - Books

It is Warne's own take, an Aussie Rules-playing former beach kid with beefy shoulders and unusually strong hands, and above all a brilliantly shrewd mind, on cricket's most complex bowling art.

The Guardian - Sport

An intelligent young woman with a fiery temper and shrewd mind, Maria Amélia was described by a teacher as having, "without knowing, an exceptional talent for dialectic, an ability that would make the fortune of a young law student".

Wikipedia

When he was a boy, the shrewder minds in the tattooing trade in Honolulu sensed that he might grow up to be a world's champion.

The New York Times - Sports

Only the shrewder minds in the financial and business establishments, those whom the sociologist C. Wright Mills would call "the sophisticated conservatives," understood that the bitter pills Dr. Roosevelt prescribed had in them a life-preserving medicine.

The New York Times - Books

He's seen as one of the shrewdest minds in the business, and this week investors get an inside look at how billionaire Warren Buffett is positioning his portfolio.

Forbes

The success is down to two passionate, clever brewers with shrewd business minds.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrewd minds" when you want to emphasize both intelligence and a practical, often calculating, approach to problem-solving or decision-making.

Common error

While "shrewd minds" is acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "smart people" or "clever thinkers" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd minds" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes people who are astute, clever, and insightful. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrewd minds" is a phrase used to describe individuals with intelligence, astuteness, and insight. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is relatively low. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When using "shrewd minds", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of formality is appropriate, and if you want to replace it, take a look at "astute intellects", "clever thinkers", or "intelligent individuals"

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astute intellects

Replaces "shrewd" with "astute" and "minds" with "intellects", emphasizing intelligence and discernment.

sharp intellects

Substitutes "shrewd" with "sharp", emphasizing quickness and acuity of intellect.

clever thinkers

Substitutes "shrewd" with "clever" and "minds" with "thinkers", focusing on intelligence and the act of thinking.

perceptive intellects

Substitutes "shrewd" with "perceptive", emphasizing the ability to notice and understand things that others might miss.

insightful thinkers

Replaces "shrewd" with "insightful", focusing on the ability to understand hidden meanings or truths.

intelligent individuals

Replaces "shrewd" with "intelligent" and "minds" with "individuals", highlighting general intelligence.

astute observers

Replaces "minds" with "observers", focusing on those who are clever at noticing and understanding.

canny strategists

Substitutes "shrewd minds" with "canny strategists", highlighting cleverness and expertise in planning and strategy.

wise decision-makers

Emphasizes the wisdom and judgment in making choices, rather than general intelligence.

sagacious individuals

Replaces both words with synonyms that suggest profound wisdom and judgment.

FAQs

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

The phrase "shrewd minds" is often used to describe individuals who possess intelligence and astuteness, particularly in business or political contexts. For example, "The company's success was attributed to the "shrewd minds" at the helm."

What are some alternatives to "shrewd minds"?

You can use alternatives such as "astute intellects", "clever thinkers", or "intelligent individuals" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "shrewd mind" instead of "shrewd minds"?

Yes, "shrewd mind" is correct when referring to a single person's intelligence and astuteness, whereas "shrewd minds" refers to multiple individuals.

What distinguishes "shrewd minds" from "brilliant minds"?

"Shrewd minds" emphasizes practicality, astuteness, and often a calculating approach, while "brilliant minds" focuses more on exceptional intelligence and creativity.