shrewd response

USAGE SUMMARY

"shrewd response" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a clever or astute reply to a question or situation. For example, "Her shrewd response to the criticism impressed everyone in the meeting." Alternative expressions include "clever reply" and "astute answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

My subsequent, less flippant recommendation was not another Fit, which would have been an uninspired but shrewd response a year ago, but the Mazda 2, a car that has been showered with praise in overseas markets since its debut in 2007.

The New York Times

(Not an entirely shrewd response, considering that Cyrus has 37 million Facebook followers).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

* Write effective, shrewd, responses to critical letters.

Science Magazine

He is a skilled and charming negotiator, always ready with a witty retort, or a shrewd observation (you pick the response) and, when an interviewee proves contrarily aggressive or guarded, Geralt is able to issue a Jedi-like wave of the hand to calm their blood or loosen their tongue.

The Guardian - Tech

(Answer: C. Shrewd, Rudy. Shrewd!).

Huffington Post

But Sept. 12 offered a new day, a day when we might demonstrate a different kind of response -- not an emergency response, but a calculated response reflecting the wisest, shrewdest, most forceful long-term strategy we might imagine for dealing with the kind of threat Sept. 11 had introduced to our land.

Huffington Post

A shrewd and calculating leader, Teach spurned the use of force, relying instead on his fearsome image to elicit the response he desired from those he robbed.

Wikipedia

Brink's powerful and brutal story is an effective response to those who suspected that the end of apartheid would leave him without a subject, and a shrewd meditation on the dehumanizing power of hatred.

The New Yorker

Charlie was shrewd.

The New Yorker

But Pleble was shrewd.

The New Yorker

That's shrewd politics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrewd response" when you want to emphasize the cleverness and strategic thinking behind a reply, particularly in situations involving negotiation or problem-solving.

Common error

While "shrewd response" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound overly formal or even pretentious in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "smart answer" or "clever reply" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd response" functions as a noun phrase where "shrewd" modifies "response". It describes a particular quality of a response, emphasizing its cleverness and astuteness. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing calculated and insightful reactions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shrewd response" describes a clever and insightful reply, often strategic in nature. While grammatically correct, as validated by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider the level of formality required; while "astute reply" is a close synonym, simpler options like "smart answer" may be more appropriate for informal situations. Ludwig examples highlight its use in scenarios where thoughtful and calculated reactions are valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astute reply

Replaces "shrewd" with "astute", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

canny reply

Replaces "shrewd" with "canny", which suggests cleverness and resourcefulness.

adroit answer

Uses "adroit" to emphasize the skill and dexterity in crafting the response.

clever comeback

Uses a more informal term, "comeback", to describe the response, implying a witty or sharp reply.

strategic response

Highlights the calculated and goal-oriented nature of the response.

intelligent answer

Substitutes "shrewd" with "intelligent", focusing on the intellectual quality of the response.

sharp retort

Emphasizes the quick and incisive nature of the response, using "retort".

wise answer

Uses "wise" to highlight the discernment behind the response, suggesting insight and good judgement.

insightful comment

Shifts the focus to the depth of understanding reflected in the response.

sagacious answer

A more formal and sophisticated alternative, using "sagacious" to denote wisdom and good judgement.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrewd response" to describe a clever and insightful reply, as in "Her "shrewd response" to the interviewer impressed the hiring manager."

What's a more informal alternative to "shrewd response"?

For less formal situations, consider using alternatives like "clever reply" or "smart answer", which convey a similar meaning without sounding overly formal.

What does "shrewd" mean in the context of "shrewd response"?

In this context, "shrewd" means astute, clever, and insightful. A "shrewd response" is one that demonstrates keen awareness and sharp intelligence.

Is there a difference between "shrewd response" and "strategic response"?

While both phrases imply a thoughtful reply, "shrewd response" emphasizes cleverness and insight, while "strategic response" highlights the calculated and goal-oriented nature of the answer.