a sharp awareness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp awareness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heightened or acute level of consciousness or understanding about something. Example: "After the incident, she developed a sharp awareness of her surroundings, always alert to potential dangers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He also had a sharp awareness of the inherent absurdity of the situation.

Independent

Ms. Martindell's return to Smith has given her both new intellectual skills and a sharp awareness of how much life has changed for young people.

The New York Times

Even if, at heart, the play is deeply traditional, it shows a sharp awareness of the plight of the modern middle-aged woman.

The Guardian

Harrison wrote such novels in the idiom of the politically conservative hack writer, but in reality he had a liberal conscience and a sharp awareness of the lack of literary values in so much of the SF he was parodying.

The Guardian - Books

But for the Church of Scientology, a new religion with limitless ambition and a sharp awareness of the importance of image, rehabilitating elegant old buildings serves both as a powerful means of repairing its reputation and as a tangible metaphor for that work.

The New Yorker

Americans are not supposed to know much about class, or to care about it, compared to our English cousins, who, it is said, are doomed to a sharp awareness of worldly position, the way some musicians suffer from perfect pitch in a world full of wrong notes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Today's results appear to show a sharper awareness of demand for single sciences both from universities and employers.

The Guardian

I think I was more aware of this slow change as a child, but don't really know whether that's because my sight was a little better then (I've had two cataract operations since that have damaged, rather than improved my sight), or because in childhood I just had a sharper awareness of what sight I had.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everything they have said shows a sharp political awareness and a death-defying desire for freedom.

The Guardian - Opinion

That denial is based on a sharp historical awareness of the city at this moment.

The New York Times - Arts

But this was an evening that reminded us why Look Back In Anger was a landmark play and what Osborne brought to the British theatre: a phenomenal gift for language, a sharp social awareness and above all a capacity for unguarded emotion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp awareness" when you want to emphasize not just awareness, but an acute, heightened, or perceptive understanding of something. For example, "a sharp awareness of the political climate" suggests a keen understanding of current events.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp awareness" in situations where a simple understanding or general awareness would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Opt for simpler terms like "awareness" or "understanding" when the sharpness isn't crucial to the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp awareness" functions as a noun phrase, with "sharp" acting as an adjective modifying "awareness". According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase, typically indicating a heightened or acute level of understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp awareness" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a heightened or acute level of understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" modifies the noun "awareness", adding an emphasis on the intensity and quality of perception. While versatile across different contexts, from News & Media to Formal & Business, careful usage is advised to avoid overcomplicating simple contexts. When a basic level of understanding suffices, alternatives like "awareness" or "understanding" are preferable. Remember to use "a sharp awareness" when you want to highlight a keen, perceptive understanding rather than a general understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an acute understanding

Highlights a deep and insightful comprehension.

a keen perception

Focuses on the acuity of sensory or intellectual observation.

a clear recognition

Emphasizes an unambiguous identification or understanding.

an insightful grasp

Stresses a capacity for understanding hidden or complex aspects.

a heightened sensitivity

Emphasizes an increased emotional or sensory responsiveness.

a sensitive appreciation

Highlights a refined and nuanced understanding.

a marked cognizance

Underscores a noticeable and well-defined awareness.

a profound consciousness

Suggests a deep and comprehensive understanding.

a distinct appreciation

Highlights a particular value or understanding that is readily apparent.

a detailed knowledge

Focuses on having extensive specific information about a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp awareness" to describe someone's acute understanding or sensitivity to a particular situation or subject. For example, "The negotiator displayed "a sharp awareness" of the cultural nuances at play".

What are some alternatives to "a sharp awareness"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "keen perception", "acute understanding", or "heightened sensitivity". Each of these alternatives emphasizes a slightly different aspect of awareness.

Is it better to say "a sharp awareness" or "a keen awareness"?

Both "a sharp awareness" and "a keen awareness" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference. "Sharp" suggests a more incisive or immediate understanding, while "keen" implies enthusiasm or eagerness in addition to understanding.

What's the difference between "awareness" and "a sharp awareness"?

"Awareness" generally indicates a basic understanding or consciousness of something. "A sharp awareness" suggests a more acute, perceptive, or detailed understanding. The addition of "sharp" heightens the intensity and specificity of the awareness.