a sharp answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that is quick, witty, or possibly cutting in nature. Example: "When asked about his opinion on the matter, he gave a sharp answer that left everyone in the room speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It came as a rising chirp on soprano saxophone, and immediately there was a sharp answer, from the trumpeter Randy Brecker.

The New York Times - Arts

In a sharp answer to Amazon and its expanding publishing efforts, Barnes & Noble said on Tuesday that it would not sell books released by Amazon Publishing in its bookstores.

The New York Times

Ms. Quinn also had a sharp answer to a question about how the city should resolve a standoff with the teachers' union over teacher evaluations, which has put in peril roughly $60 million in federal aid to struggling city schools.

The New York Times

After the Devils lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a reporter asked Larry Robinson a pointed question and the Devils' coach gave a sharp answer.

The New York Times - Sports

In a sharp answer to several failed bills produced by Senate Democrats that would cut an employee's share of the payroll tax and impose a new surcharge on income over $1 million, the House Republican bill would pay for the extension through a mix of changes to entitlement programs and a pay freeze for federal workers.

The New York Times

But he finished the interview by providing a sharp answer to the question of whether a comeback was possible: "Yes".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As I replayed the incident in my head, a thousand sharp answers swam to shore.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when asked whether he would during prime minister's questions in the House of Commons, his quick and sharp answer has been "no".

The Guardian

McCain gave another sharp answer when the editorial board noted that -- having served in the military, then in Congress, and now being over the age of 65 -- McCain has always been covered by a taxpayer-financed health care plan.

Huffington Post

I worry that it sounds a bit like I haven't answered your question, but that's because I don't have a super-sharp answer.

The New York Times

Asked about the IKEA model and her contention that each state's think tank was an independent entity, free to pursue its own scholarly research, Sharp answered with a prepared statement.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp answer" when you want to convey that someone's response was quick, intelligent, and potentially critical or witty. It's suitable for describing interactions in news reports, narratives, and analyses.

Common error

While "a sharp answer" is appropriate in many situations, consider more casual alternatives like "quick comeback" or "witty reply" in informal conversations or personal writing. Overusing "a sharp answer" can make your language sound overly formal or sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" is an adjective modifying the noun "answer". It describes the quality or nature of the answer, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it characterizes the response as quick and potentially cutting.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp answer" is a noun phrase used to describe a quick, intelligent, and potentially critical or witty response. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can lean towards the formal side. Alternative phrases like "quick retort" or "biting response" may be more suitable for informal settings. When employing the phrase, consider whether the tone and context align with the intended meaning of a prompt and incisive reply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick retort

Emphasizes the speed and cleverness of the response.

a biting response

Highlights the potentially critical or sarcastic nature of the answer.

a cutting reply

Similar to 'biting response', but focuses on the incisiveness.

a pointed remark

Suggests the answer is direct and deliberately aimed at a specific target.

a stinging comeback

Implies a response made in retaliation or defense.

a clever rejoinder

Highlights the intelligence and wit behind the response.

an incisive statement

Focuses on the clarity and penetration of the answer.

a terse reply

Emphasizes the brevity and conciseness of the answer, potentially indicating impatience.

a witty response

Highlights the humor and intelligence behind the answer.

a direct answer

Highlights the fact that the answer did not deviate from the subject of the question

FAQs

What does "a sharp answer" mean?

The phrase "a sharp answer" refers to a quick, intelligent, and often witty or critical response. It implies that the answer is direct and potentially incisive.

How can I use "a sharp answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp answer" to describe someone's response in various scenarios. For example: "The politician gave "a sharp answer" to the reporter's question, avoiding any ambiguity."

What can I say instead of "a sharp answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a quick retort", "a biting response", or "a pointed remark" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sharp answer" formal or informal?

"A sharp answer" leans towards the neutral to slightly formal side. While understandable in most contexts, consider using more casual phrases like "witty reply" in informal settings.