shrewd question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is astute, clever, or insightful, often revealing deeper understanding or critical thinking. Example: "That was a shrewd question that really got to the heart of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A shrewd question.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Shrewd questions may be classified by subject and form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Western scholars generally recognize two main kinds of riddle: the descriptive riddle and the shrewd or witty question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lacking a generic name in English, shrewd or witty questions are classed with riddles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The shrewd king cross-questions Nameless, establishing that his stories are untrue.

The Guardian

Lawrence had brought Oppenheimer into a committee of scientists advising the government about building the bomb, and he offered such shrewd advice on one technical question after another that he became indispensable to the project.

The New York Times - Books

For a while, intervention seemed just a question of willpower and shrewd policies.

The Economist

The idea here is not that the war in question is merely politically shrewd, or prudent, or bold and daring, but fully moral, just.

SEP

A pointed little thriller with metaphysical pretensions, "First Snow" is shrewd enough to approach basic philosophical questions in sneaky, offhand ways.

The New York Times

But Goodman is too shrewd to leave the book's crucial question unresolved.

The Guardian - Books

It was this very question that led John Judis, a shrewd social democrat, to write his solid biography of Buckley.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrewd question" to describe inquiries that demonstrate intelligence and keen insight, particularly in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "shrewd question" in casual conversations; opt for simpler terms like "smart question" or "good question" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd question" functions as an adjective-noun combination where the adjective "shrewd" modifies the noun "question". It describes a question that is astute, intelligent, and perceptive, often revealing a deeper understanding. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrewd question" is a phrase used to describe an insightful and intelligent inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for written English, but it's most appropriate in neutral to professional settings such as news reports and formal discussions. While alternatives like "insightful question" or "astute question" exist, "shrewd question" emphasizes a level of cunning and deep understanding. To effectively use "shrewd question", reserve it for contexts where its nuanced meaning is best appreciated, avoiding overuse in casual scenarios where simpler terms would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insightful question

Substitutes "shrewd" with "insightful", emphasizing the depth and understanding behind the question.

astute question

Substitutes "shrewd" with "astute", maintaining a formal tone.

astute inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" and "shrewd" with "astute", maintaining a formal tone.

sharp inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" and "shrewd" with "sharp", suggesting quick-wittedness.

clever query

Substitutes "shrewd" with "clever" and "question" with "query", suggesting intelligence and ingenuity.

canny question

Replaces "shrewd" with "canny", suggesting cleverness and resourcefulness.

perceptive questioning

Replaces "question" with "questioning" and "shrewd" with "perceptive", highlighting an ability to notice subtle details.

intelligent interrogation

Replaces "question" with "interrogation" and "shrewd" with "intelligent", implying a formal or investigative setting.

penetrating question

Replaces "shrewd" with "penetrating", indicating a question that gets to the core of an issue.

prudent question

Replaces "shrewd" with "prudent", emphasizing careful and wise judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrewd question" to describe an inquiry that reveals a deep understanding or exposes a hidden aspect of a situation. For example: "That was a "shrewd question"; it really got to the heart of the matter."

What are some alternatives to "shrewd question"?

Alternatives include "insightful question", "clever question", and "astute question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "shrewd question"?

"Shrewd question" is suitable in contexts where intelligence and insight are valued, such as formal discussions, professional settings, or analytical writing. Avoid it in very casual situations.

What's the difference between "shrewd question" and "smart question"?

"Shrewd question" implies a level of cunning and insight, suggesting the questioner has a deeper understanding or ulterior motive. "Smart question" is a more general term for an intelligent inquiry.