shrewd tactic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd tactic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or astute strategy employed to achieve a specific goal, often in competitive situations. Example: "The company's decision to lower prices during the holiday season was a shrewd tactic to attract more customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Terrorists in the kingdom have begun to strike at energy targets—a shrewd tactic.

The Economist

The bad news for Labour is that this studied banality already looks like a shrewd tactic for undermining the New Decency.

The Guardian

During the campaign, this was seen as a shrewd tactic to stop the BJP turning it into a presidential-style contest between an untested, foreign-born novice and the popular, statesmanlike Mr Vajpayee.

The Economist

But it's a shrewd tactic when you zoom out.

TechCrunch

Here's hoWhile

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

By shrewd tactics Timoleon defeated his enemies and occupied Syracuse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The point, they say, is this: any authoritarian power can be shamed, discomfited, made to change course and ultimately overthrown if "people power" and shrewd tactics are combined.

The Economist

The immediate causes include a slowing of economic growth, the shrewd tactics of the opposition Democratic Progressive party (DPP), the spoiling role of a third party, and the emergence of a new kind of grassroots activism in Taiwan.

The Guardian

Ms Bennett's elevation is an encouraging sign, in that she displayed more awareness of the need for shrewd tactics and strategy than idealistic rivals such as Romayne Phoenix.

The Guardian - Opinion

Escaping southward into Araucanian Indian country soon after Valdivia began conquering it in 1550, Lautaro joined the Araucanians, unified their tribal organization, and with their chief, Caupolicán, led them in battle, further improving on the shrewd tactics and stratagems by which they had often defeated the Spaniards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His Hamilton side played passing football, initiating swift, incisive counter attacks that were built upon well-organised and strategically shrewd tactics.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrewd tactic" when you want to emphasize the cleverness and strategic thinking behind a particular action. It suggests that the action is not only effective but also demonstrates intelligence.

Common error

While "shrewd tactic" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in overly informal or casual writing. It can sound slightly formal and may be better replaced with simpler terms like "smart move" or "clever idea" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd tactic" functions as an adjective-noun combination where "shrewd" modifies "tactic". It is used to describe a strategy or approach that is clever, astute, and well-judged. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrewd tactic" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a clever and well-thought-out strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias contexts. Alternatives such as "astute maneuver" or "clever ploy" can be used for variety. When using this phrase, consider the formality of your writing, as it may be less suitable for very casual contexts. Be mindful of overusing it, and ensure it accurately reflects the intelligence and effectiveness of the described action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astute maneuver

Emphasizes skillful and clever action.

clever ploy

Highlights the ingenuity and cunning of the tactic.

smart strategy

Focuses on the intelligence and planning behind the approach.

ingenious scheme

Suggests a creative and effective plan.

cunning approach

Implies a subtle and skillful method.

deft move

Highlights the agility and skill involved in the action.

strategic play

Emphasizes the calculated and planned nature of the action.

artful dodge

Suggests a clever way of avoiding a problem or challenge.

prudent measure

Highlights the careful and wise nature of the action.

savvy gambit

Implies a risk-taking action with a high potential payoff.

FAQs

What does "shrewd tactic" mean?

"Shrewd tactic" refers to a clever and astute strategy employed to achieve a specific goal, often in competitive situations. It implies intelligence and effectiveness in the approach.

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

You can use "shrewd tactic" to describe a clever action taken to gain an advantage, such as, "The company's decision to lower prices during the holiday season was a "shrewd tactic" to attract more customers."

What are some alternatives to "shrewd tactic"?

Alternatives include "clever strategy", "astute approach", or "smart move" depending on the context.

Is "shrewd tactic" formal or informal?

"Shrewd tactic" leans towards a more formal tone. In very casual settings, simpler terms like "smart idea" or "clever trick" might be more appropriate.