shrewd move

USAGE SUMMARY

"shrewd move" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a clever decision or action made by someone. For example: "The CEO's decision to invest in a new market was a shrewd move that paid off big dividends for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a shrewd move.

The New York Times

It was a shrewd move.

The New York Times - Sports

That's really a shrewd move.

The New York Times

But it was a shrewd move.

The Economist

'This is a shrewd move.

The Guardian - Money

His appears a shrewd move.

The Guardian - Sport

— Tom Ricketts made an undeniably shrewd move.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a shrewd move by Gigante.

The New Yorker

It was a doubly shrewd move.

The Guardian

It proved to be a shrewd move.

The Guardian - Film

The Facebook post was a shrewd move by Dieudonné.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrewd move" when you want to highlight not just intelligence but also a certain level of resourcefulness and practicality in a decision or action. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey; other alternatives may better suit the context.

Common error

While "shrewd move" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very casual or informal settings where a simpler term like "smart idea" or "good plan" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd move" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "shrewd" modifies the noun "move". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show it describing various actions and decisions deemed clever and advantageous.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrewd move" is a commonly used phrase that describes a clever and resourceful action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, sports, and formal business contexts. While "smart move" can serve as a general synonym, "shrewd move" implies a greater degree of astuteness and calculated planning. When writing, it's best to use "shrewd move" in contexts where you want to highlight not just intelligence, but also a degree of resourcefulness and practicality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smart move

This alternative is a more common and general synonym, lacking some of the sophistication implied by "shrewd".

astute decision

This alternative emphasizes the decision-making aspect and highlights the cleverness involved.

clever tactic

This alternative suggests a planned approach or maneuver used to gain an advantage.

wise decision

This alternative suggests a judicious choice, emphasizing the wisdom and foresight behind the action.

strategic play

This alternative emphasizes the calculated and planned nature of the action, often in a game or competitive context.

ingenious plan

This highlights the creativity and inventiveness of the plan.

cunning maneuver

This alternative implies a degree of deception or artfulness in achieving the desired outcome.

calculated risk

This alternative stresses the element of risk that was carefully considered and deemed worthwhile.

tactical advantage

This focuses on the immediate gain achieved through the action.

prudent step

This alternative emphasizes the careful and cautious nature of the action taken.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrewd move" to describe a clever or astute action. For example, "Hiring the experienced consultant was a "shrewd move" that improved their business strategy."

What's a more formal alternative to "shrewd move"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "astute decision" or "strategic play", which emphasize the careful planning and intelligence behind the action.

Is "shrewd move" the same as "smart move"?

While similar, "smart move" is more general. "Shrewd move" implies a greater level of cunning or resourcefulness, suggesting the decision-maker cleverly leveraged available information or resources.

Can "shrewd move" have negative connotations?

While generally positive, "shrewd move" can sometimes imply a slight manipulation or self-interest. The context is crucial; if the action benefits only one party at the expense of others, the term might be perceived negatively.