a dull edge

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dull edge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a tool or object that has a blunted or worn-down edge. For example, "He was frustrated as his knife had a dull edge, making it difficult to cut through the thick rope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Herzog showed that age does not necessarily mean a dulled edge.

Los Angeles Times

Use the dull edge of a knife like a squeegee, wiping it back and forth to force out any moisture that is lurking, wiping the blade every now and then with a paper towel.

Los Angeles Times

His long-baked version, brushed with a fruity-spicy house-made sauce, has a deep beefy flavor and meat that collapses under the dull edge of a fork.

Los Angeles Times

Anyone who, lacking a knife, has tried to use its dull edge to cut a potato – only to send said spud hurtling over the horizon – might agree.

The Guardian

Use the dull edge of a blade to squeegee fish you plan to sauté with its flesh on and it will cook evenly all the way through.

The New York Times - Food

Begin by removing any solid matter (like that leftover onion dip -- yuck!) using the dull edge of a kitchen knife.

Huffington Post

In a hurry, I used a dough scraper on a couple of batches and you could plainly see how the dull edge had compressed the edges, reducing the rise.

Los Angeles Times

If you're keen to get your upgrade on (and you should be, given the features that it brings), follow your nose to either Moto's website, or AT&T's, where you will find full instructions, and the knowledge that you are living on the dull edge of deprecation.

TechCrunch

Want to sharpen your dull edge?

Huffington Post

When she was sober, those knives, unlike the silver ones with the dull edge she'd use to spread soft butter on toast or yellow mustard on white bread, were used to slice through the salt and pepper steak she'd make for Joe, my stepdad.

Huffington Post

Use the dull edge of the knife, and remove as much of the jam as possible.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decline in sharpness or effectiveness, consider the specific context. "A dull edge" can apply to physical objects like knives or metaphorical concepts like wit or ambition. Select vocabulary that fits the intended image.

Common error

Avoid using "dense edge" when you mean "dull edge". "Dense" refers to compactness or thickness, while "dull" indicates a lack of sharpness or interest. They are not interchangeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dull edge" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "dull" modifies the noun "edge". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, and the examples from Ludwig demonstrate its role in describing a lack of sharpness or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dull edge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression in English, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe something lacking sharpness or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts, both literal and figurative. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis. While there aren't specific common errors associated with the phrase, it's important to distinguish it from similar-sounding terms like "dense edge". Synonyms include "blunted edge" and "softened edge", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blunt edge

Uses "blunt" as a synonym for "dull", implying a lack of sharpness or incisiveness.

a blunted edge

Replaces "dull" with "blunted", emphasizing the physical state of being less sharp.

an unsharpened edge

Replaces "dull" with "unsharpened", directly stating the lack of sharpness.

a worn edge

Suggests that the edge has lost its sharpness through use or erosion.

a softened edge

Substitutes "dull" with "softened", suggesting a reduction in intensity or severity.

a rounded edge

Replaces "dull" with "rounded", indicating a lack of sharpness due to a curved shape.

a lackluster edge

Employs "lackluster" to convey a lack of brilliance or effectiveness.

a lifeless edge

Uses "lifeless" instead of "dull" to describe something lacking excitement or vigor.

a tame edge

Indicates that the edge is not wild, dangerous, or exciting.

an insipid edge

Uses "insipid" to describe a lack of flavor, interest, or energy.

FAQs

How can I use "a dull edge" in a sentence?

You can use "a dull edge" to describe a physical object lacking sharpness, such as "The knife had "a dull edge", making it difficult to cut the vegetables". It can also be used metaphorically, like "His argument had "a dull edge", failing to impress the audience".

What are some synonyms for "a dull edge"?

Alternatives to "a dull edge" include phrases like "a blunted edge", "a softened edge", or "an unsharpened edge", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "a dull edge"?

Yes, it is correct to say "a dull edge". The phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in English to describe something that lacks sharpness, either literally or figuratively.

What is the difference between "a dull edge" and "a sharp edge"?

"A dull edge" refers to an edge that is not sharp and therefore ineffective for cutting or creating a strong impact. In contrast, "a sharp edge" refers to an edge that is keen and effective at cutting or making a strong impression.