a sharp criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

'a sharp criticism' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe criticism that is strongly worded and which expresses disapproval in a direct and forceful way. For example, "The manager's response to the employee's suggestion was a sharp criticism that left no room for negotiation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He delivered a sharp criticism of Mr. Romney's evolving positions on abortion and his support for gay rights.

The New York Times

He mixed his praise, however, with a sharp criticism of others at the bank in the aftermath of the trading losses.

The New York Times

The law professors present a close legal analysis of the proposed law, concluding with a sharp criticism of the government's attempt to speed it through parliament.

The Guardian

This makes sense: it's an insult — or, at least, a sharp criticism — to consider an artist's earliest works the best ones, and many artists, when considering their own work, see the flaws and know that they can do better.

The New Yorker

But as a sharp criticism of postwar planning for Iraq, it represents the most explicit official indictment to date of an operation that was very much the province of Mr. Rumsfeld and his top deputies.

The New York Times

Correction: December 25, 2000, Monday A front-page article on Tuesday about abusive corporate tax shelters misstated the source and target of a sharp criticism involving a shelter sold to investors by Merrill Lynch.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Originally, the St . Louispolice as a whole came out with a sharp criticisms of the players.

Huffington Post

"If you scratch a great hero, you find a complete ass," says Pennington of the tragic protagonists; and he sees, in the plays written in the Jacobean era, a sharp, incisive criticism of privilege and the corruption, treachery and dissimulation within the court.

The Guardian

It was an unusually sharp criticism for an official to make about his political counterparts.

The New York Times

After a year of sharp criticism for how it handled reports of a serial sexual offender on campus, the university has become the first in the province to offer rape kits on campus.

Vice

In addition, legislative staff working on earmarks would be banned from participating in campaign fund-raising — a practice that drew sharp criticism in a recent investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics involving earmarks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider softening "a sharp criticism" with qualifiers like "delivered with concern" to show constructive intent and avoid appearing overly aggressive.

Common error

Avoid employing "a sharp criticism" in situations that call for constructive feedback or gentle suggestions. Its severity can be counterproductive in sensitive discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp criticism" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It denotes a specific instance of strong disapproval or censure. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp criticism" is a commonly used phrase that denotes a strong and direct expression of disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and academic sources. While it effectively conveys strong disagreement, it is important to use it judiciously, especially in contexts where constructive feedback is more appropriate. Alternatives like "a harsh critique" or "a biting remark" can offer nuances in meaning and intensity. Knowing when and how to wield "a sharp criticism" enhances your ability to communicate effectively and assertively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a harsh critique

Replaces "criticism" with "critique" and "sharp" with "harsh", implying a severe and potentially judgmental assessment.

a severe condemnation

Replaces "criticism" with "condemnation", indicating a strong expression of disapproval, often on moral grounds.

a stinging indictment

Replaces "criticism" with "indictment", suggesting a formal accusation or strong condemnation of wrongdoing.

a scathing review

Substitutes "criticism" with "review" and "sharp" with "scathing", suggesting a destructively critical evaluation.

a fierce denunciation

Emphasizes the intensity of the criticism, suggesting a passionate and vehement disapproval.

a biting remark

Shifts from a formal "criticism" to a more informal "remark", suggesting a cutting and sarcastic statement.

a blistering assessment

Similar to "scathing review", but emphasizing the intensely negative and destructive nature of the evaluation.

a pointed rebuke

Replaces "criticism" with "rebuke", implying a sharp and direct expression of disapproval or reprimand.

a cutting observation

Similar to “biting remark,” but slightly more formal, referring to an insightful negative comment.

a trenchant analysis

Moves beyond simple criticism to suggest a penetrating and insightful, though potentially harsh, analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp criticism" to describe a forceful expression of disapproval. For instance, "The proposal received "a sharp criticism" for its lack of detail".

What are some alternatives to "a sharp criticism"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a harsh critique", "a biting remark", or "a severe condemnation".

What distinguishes "a sharp criticism" from "constructive feedback"?

"A sharp criticism" typically emphasizes disapproval and can be perceived as negative, while constructive feedback focuses on suggesting improvements and is intended to be helpful.

Is "a sharp criticism" always negative?

While "a sharp criticism" generally implies disapproval, its impact can vary depending on the delivery and context. It can sometimes serve as a wake-up call or catalyst for necessary change.