very shrewd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very shrewd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is astute, clever, or has good judgment, often in a business or strategic context. Example: "Her very shrewd analysis of the market trends helped the company make profitable decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very cunning, very shrewd.

The New York Times

A very shrewd insight.

The Guardian - Film

But he is very shrewd.

The New York Times

"But banks are very shrewd.

The New York Times

But it does seem very shrewd.

The New York Times - Arts

But he was a very shrewd politician".

The New Yorker

I thought this was very shrewd.

The Guardian

"They were very nice but very shrewd.

The New York Times

McDonald's has been very shrewd about kids.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is simple but also very shrewd.

The Guardian - Sport

I think they are very shrewd people".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very shrewd" when you want to emphasize not just intelligence, but also practical wisdom and a knack for making advantageous decisions. It is particularly effective in describing business acumen or strategic thinking.

Common error

While "very shrewd" is acceptable, consider using stronger synonyms like "astute", "canny", or "sagacious" to avoid redundancy and add more nuance to your writing. Over-reliance on "very" can weaken the impact of the adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very shrewd" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It emphasizes the subject's intelligence, astuteness, and practical wisdom in decision-making. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used correctly and commonly in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very shrewd" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe someone possessing a blend of intelligence, astuteness, and practical wisdom. It's versatile enough for both neutral and professional settings, frequently appearing in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. When aiming for variety, synonyms such as "highly astute" or "remarkably canny" can be considered. However, be mindful of overusing "very" to maintain the impact of the adjective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very astute

A direct synonym, offering a slightly more formal alternative.

incredibly astute

Emphasizes a high degree of astuteness; adds intensity.

highly astute

Emphasizes keen perception and discernment; slightly more formal.

extremely clever

Highlights intelligence and quick-wittedness; more general in application.

remarkably canny

Suggests resourcefulness and the ability to turn situations to one's advantage.

exceptionally sharp

Focuses on mental acuity and quick understanding; more direct.

particularly perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand subtle nuances and underlying truths.

quite insightful

Emphasizes the depth and accuracy of one's understanding; slightly less intense.

decidedly sagacious

Implies wisdom and sound judgment, often gained through experience; more formal and literary.

awfully discerning

Highlights the ability to distinguish between subtle differences; more sophisticated.

FAQs

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

You can use "very shrewd" to describe someone's intelligence and practical wisdom in making advantageous decisions. For example, "She made a "very shrewd" investment in the stock market."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "very shrewd"?

Alternatives to "very shrewd" include "highly astute", "extremely clever", and "remarkably canny". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very shrewd"?

While "shrewd" already implies a high degree of intelligence and astuteness, using "very shrewd" can emphasize this quality. However, consider using synonyms like "astute" or "canny" to avoid potential redundancy.

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

"Very smart" generally refers to intelligence or quickness of mind, while "very shrewd" specifically implies practical wisdom and the ability to make advantageous decisions. Someone who is "very shrewd" is not only intelligent but also has a knack for strategic thinking.