to shrewd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to shrewd" is not correct and usable in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression, as "shrewd" is typically used as an adjective and requires a subject or context to make sense. Example: "He is known to be shrewd in business negotiations."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

They were a testament to shrewd marketing.

The New York Times - Sports

Bombardier owes its success to shrewd management as well as judicious use of tax dollars.

The Economist

This will appeal to shrewd traditionalists since it would limit voting to computer owners, thereby disenfranchising the poor (heh-heh).

The New York Times

The decision of these brands to 'go rainbow' was probably varyingly motivated by everything from sincere pride to shrewd, calculated marketing strategy.

Independent

Since her 1980s It's a Mystery heyday, the 50-year-old has turned herself into a multi-millionaire thanks to shrewd investments.

The Guardian - Money

She pushed against limits in ways that revealed what and where the limits were, and she turned the friction to shrewd and stirring account.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

As Blizzard's World of Warcraft can attest to, a shrewd political strategy is essential to success in China.

TechCrunch

Over the years, we've had to be pretty shrewd to ward off some insidious dangers.

The Guardian - Books

Barack Obama, after all, is said to owe his electoral victory in part to a shrewd use of Facebook.

The New York Times - Books

Yet it happened to one shrewd New Yorker who trusted his instincts and knew how to play the art game.

Forbes

We have to be shrewd and careful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that "shrewd" is used as an adjective describing a noun. For instance, "He is known to be a shrewd negotiator" is correct. Adding a verb before "shrewd" makes the phrase grammatical.

Common error

Avoid using "to shrewd" without completing the phrase with a verb and subject. It often needs a form of "to be" (e.g., "to be shrewd") or a clarifying noun (e.g., "a shrewd move").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to shrewd" is an incomplete expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, "shrewd" is an adjective, so "to shrewd" requires a verb or noun to complete the phrase grammatically. Examples indicate correct usage involves structuring sentences to include a form of 'to be' before "shrewd" or using "shrewd" to modify a noun.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to shrewd" is grammatically incorrect and requires completion to be meaningful. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, "shrewd" functions as an adjective and needs a verb (like "to be") or a noun to modify. Without these additions, the phrase is incomplete and does not effectively communicate its intended meaning of cleverness or astuteness. Therefore, it's essential to use "shrewd" correctly by ensuring it modifies a noun or is part of a complete verb phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be astute

Replaces "shrewd" with a synonym that emphasizes intelligence and perceptiveness.

to be clever

Uses a more general term for intelligence and quick-wittedness.

to be insightful

Focuses on the depth of understanding and perception.

to demonstrate acumen

Emphasizes skill and expertise in a particular field.

to show discernment

Highlights the ability to make good judgments.

to act judiciously

Focuses on making wise and careful decisions.

to be canny

Suggests a practical and resourceful approach.

to be sagacious

Implies wisdom and foresight.

to display perspicacity

Highlights keenness of mental perception and understanding.

to be sharp-witted

Emphasizes quickness and cleverness in thinking.

FAQs

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

Use "shrewd" as an adjective to describe someone or something. For example, "She is a "shrewd investor"" or "That was a "shrewd move"".

What's a more grammatically sound way to express the idea behind "to shrewd"?

Consider using phrases like "to be astute" or "to be clever" to convey a similar meaning in a grammatically correct manner.

Is "to shrewd" ever correct in English?

No, "to shrewd" is not a correct or complete phrase in standard English. It requires a verb like "to be" or a clarifying noun to make sense.

What are some alternative phrases to "to shrewd" that I can use?

Alternatives include "to be insightful", "to demonstrate acumen", or "to show discernment", depending on the specific context you intend.