shrewd work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe work that is clever, astute, or shows good judgment, often in a business or strategic context. Example: "Her shrewd work in negotiating the contract saved the company a significant amount of money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Her shrewd work immediately found both critical and popular acclaim, and she went on to publish eight more collections, all with Peterloo Poets, as well as audio-books and a volume of poems published by Penguin.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Kawakubo is also shrewd: working with alum Junya Watanabe to set up his own line, and helping fashion's current bright young thing, Gosha Rubchinskiy, by operating his business.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Through shrewd detective work, Audrey discovers that her camp friend Sarah is my school friend Sarah, and begins passing me notes.

The New Yorker

Lynn Nottage's new play follows a shrewd businesswoman working in a small mining town in Congo.

The New York Times

The shrewd employee works around the idiot boss by becoming a boost to the ninny's career not an impediment.

Forbes

In this shrewd and ambitious work Ms. Ossip participates in a very old-fashioned sport, parsing the American mind through the filter of cold war paranoia.

The New York Times - Books

This shrewd piece of work, written by Robert Rogers, is openly cynical about American officials who were assuring the world that the war was going splendidly.

The New York Times

Hardly a high-wire act, but with its attractive and appealing cast and Mr. Wayans's shrewd sensibility at work, "My Wife and Kids" could be a keeper.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a shrewd opportunist at work.John Kerry's shadowThe vital question is not whether Mr Obama is changing his positions but whether he is changing them for better or worse.

The Economist

But as confidently staged by Scott Elliott -- with a nigh flawless five-member cast that includes a comely young television star (Michelle Williams of "Dawson's Creek") -- this shrewd, sure-footed work gives off a much fresher aroma.

The New York Times

But the Port Authority had a solution that would take care of both the railroad's looming financial losses and, with some shrewd public-relations work, the ruckus on Radio Row: get bigger still.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrewd work" to positively describe someone's clever and effective actions, particularly in strategic or business contexts. For example, "Her shrewd work in identifying market trends led to significant profits."

Common error

Avoid using "shrewd work" when implying dishonesty or unethical behavior. While "shrewd" suggests cleverness, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being manipulative. Ensure the context is clearly positive to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd work" functions as an adjective-noun combination where "shrewd" modifies the noun "work". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. It typically describes a task or activity executed with intelligence and astuteness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academic sources

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrewd work" is a phrase used to describe activities or tasks performed with intelligence and astuteness, often leading to successful results. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, formal business settings and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure a positive connotation to avoid misinterpretations, as the term "shrewd" can sometimes imply manipulation. Alternative phrases such as "clever work" or "astute work" may be used depending on the context and the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever work

Replaces "shrewd" with a more general term for intelligence, suitable for broader contexts.

astute work

Emphasizes the insightful and perceptive nature of the work.

smart work

Offers a simple and direct substitute, implying efficiency and intelligence.

ingenious work

Highlights the creativity and inventiveness of the work.

cunning work

Suggests a cleverness that might involve some degree of deception or manipulation.

skillful work

Focuses on the expertise and proficiency demonstrated in the work.

judicious work

Emphasizes the sound judgment and careful consideration involved.

wise work

Implies a deeper level of understanding and long-term thinking.

perceptive work

Highlights the ability to understand or notice things quickly and accurately.

insightful work

Stresses the depth of understanding and the revelation of important truths.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrewd work" to describe actions that are clever and effective, especially in business or strategic contexts. For example, "The company's success was largely due to the CEO's "shrewd work" in identifying new markets."

What are some alternatives to "shrewd work"?

Alternatives include "clever work", "astute work", or "ingenious work", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "shrewd work"?

It's appropriate to use "shrewd work" when you want to highlight the intelligence and effectiveness of someone's actions, especially when those actions involve strategic thinking or problem-solving. However, be mindful of the potential for negative connotations and ensure the context is clearly positive.

What is the difference between "shrewd work" and "smart work"?

"Smart work" is a more general term that implies efficiency and intelligence. "Shrewd work" specifically suggests a cleverness and astuteness that leads to a successful outcome. Therefore, "shrewd work" implies a more strategic and insightful approach than "smart work".