Sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Sharp" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to describe something that has a fine edge or point, or to indicate clarity and precision in thought or expression. Example: "The chef used a sharp knife to slice the vegetables with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cover the sharp staple-edges with clear tape.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.18am ET16 18 This is rather sharp: You don't like a particular policy, or a particular president?

The Guardian

A special motion condemning the riots and supporting those on the sharp end of seven days of disorder was backed across the Stormont assembly floor.

The Guardian

That the party concerned is the Social Democratic Labour party (SDLP) throws into sharp relief that the de facto coalition of Irish nationalist forces has split.

The Guardian

The African Union and most southern African nations have generally been supportive of the vote, but sharp criticism has come from non-governmental groups and western governments including Britain.

The Guardian

Nationally, just 16% of 18- to 24-year-olds say they are certain to vote in an election and there has been a sharp decline over the past year in registration among black and ethnic minority voters from 77% to 58%, the Hansard Society's audit reveals.

The Guardian

"It used to be a true blue seat, so actually the transition from Conservative to Liberal Democrats showed that there was a change there anyway, and that's just to do with the very sharp increase in public sector employment in South Yorkshire over the past ten or fifteen years".

The Guardian

The case has reached the nation's highest court at a time when US police use of force is under sharp scrutiny.

The Guardian

At first, he offered it to Harper & Brothers (who "rejected it with a sharp slap"), and then to Doubleday, Page.

The Guardian - Books

O'Connor has a sharp eye for personal detail: none better than her observation of the discomfort in and around the DUP: Last Friday saw Dr Paisley take up three, perhaps four positions inside 24 hours, none of them gracefully.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also echoed the sudden sharp rise in yes support in the closing weeks of the campaign, and confirmed what YouGov and TNS BMRB had discovered: that the referendum vote was too close to call.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, ensure "sharp" aligns with the object's inherent properties, such as "a sharp knife" for cutting efficiently.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp" when "clear", "defined" or "distinct" would more accurately convey the intended meaning in abstract or conceptual descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Sharp" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate qualities such as having a fine edge, intelligence, or suddenness. It also functions as an adverb to indicate precision or acuity. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this, demonstrating its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Sharp" is a versatile term functioning primarily as an adjective, signifying qualities like having a fine edge, intelligence, or suddenness. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media. While versatile, avoid overuse in abstract contexts where more precise terms exist. The related phrases and examples illustrate its broad applicability. To use "Sharp" effectively, align it with the intended context, whether describing a physical attribute, characterizing intelligence, indicating sudden changes, or emphasizing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Keen

Focuses more on the intensity of perception or intellect.

Acute

Emphasizes the suddenness or severity of something.

Intense

Highlights the degree or strength of a feeling or quality.

Pungent

Specifically refers to a strong, sharp smell or taste.

Razor-edged

Emphasizes the sharpness to a dangerous degree.

Astute

Implies cleverness and perceptiveness in judgment.

Shrewd

Indicates practical intelligence and resourcefulness.

Crisp

Describes a clear and distinct quality, often related to sound or image.

Piercing

Focuses on the ability to penetrate or affect deeply.

Edgy

Suggests a cutting-edge or unconventional quality.

FAQs

How can I use "Sharp" in a sentence?

You can use "Sharp" to describe something with a fine edge (e.g., "a sharp knife"), someone intelligent (e.g., "a sharp mind"), or a sudden change (e.g., "a sharp decline").

What are some synonyms for "Sharp"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "Sharp" include "keen", "acute", "intense", "pungent", or "crisp".

When is it appropriate to use "Sharp" in a formal context?

"Sharp" is suitable in formal contexts when describing precision, intelligence, or a noticeable change. Ensure the tone aligns with the professional setting.

What's the difference between "Sharp" and "Keen"?

"Sharp" generally refers to a physical edge or a sudden change, while "keen" often describes enthusiasm or intellect. Both can indicate intelligence, but "keen" highlights eagerness or interest.