a sharp decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a decision that was decisive and quickly reached. Example: The board of directors made a sharp decision to fire the CEO after it was revealed that he had been engaging in fraudulent activities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The nearly seven-year delay led to a sharp decision from five judges in the First Department of the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In this way, a sharper decision on fewer classes is obtained at the secondary classification stage.

Pattern Recognition

A consummate man of letters, he is also a shrewd businessman with a history of sharp decisions: Among his most famous early coups was his signing of Scott Turow's Presumed Innocent, the best-selling legal thriller published in 1987, made into a 1990 film.

Vice

Midfielder Xabi Alonso sprays passes around the field and has been able to dictate flow — and boost a lethal counterattack — with sharp decision-making.

The New York Times - Sports

With so many options, the ability to sift through information and make sharp decisions each day is a must.

Huffington Post

Thus, he'll have to make quick, sharp decisions after the snap, as opposed to last week, when the Saints' man coverage and sellout blitzes allowed Smith to make decisions before the snap.

The New York Times

TERROIR'S PORK BLADE STEAK Like many peers, Marco Canora smartly turned to the Virginia farmer Bev Eggleston for pork, then made the additionally sharp decisions to broil this thin shoulder cut and dump arugula and Parmesan onto it.

The New York Times - Food

After all, Sinatra's larger story was saturated with gambles and sharp decisions.

Huffington Post

We make narrow and sharp decisions about how we spend our tax money - good and bad - but blunt and fuzzy decisions about how we collect it.

Huffington Post

Unlike many other institutions in this city, the court sticks to a sharp timetable — the decision will be delivered Thursday morning, shortly after 10 a.m.

The Washington Post

Oliver Chris, one hand in his pocket, seems to shrug himself into being Prince William Lydia Wilsonn's Kate twists a finger in her shiny curls, and moves with whip-sharp decision.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp decision" to emphasize the speed, decisiveness, and impact of a choice or judgment. It is particularly effective when highlighting a departure from previous actions or policies.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp" repetitively in the same document to describe multiple decisions. Vary your language by using synonyms like "decisive", "swift", or "incisive" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp decision" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of the decision, emphasizing its quickness, decisiveness, and impact. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp decision" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes a quick, decisive, and impactful choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely found in news, business, and academic contexts. While versatile, varying your descriptive language can improve writing quality. Related phrases like "a decisive resolution" or "a prompt determination" can offer alternative ways to convey the same meaning. When writing, ensure the word "sharp" accurately reflects the intent and is not overused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decisive resolution

Emphasizes the conclusiveness and firmness of the decision.

a prompt determination

Highlights the speed and efficiency in reaching the decision.

an incisive judgment

Focuses on the clarity and penetrating insight behind the decision.

a swift ruling

Highlights the speed of the decision, often in a legal or formal context.

a quick verdict

Emphasizes the speed and finality of the decision, particularly in a trial or competition.

an immediate choice

Highlights the instantaneous nature of the selection or decision.

a firm conclusion

Emphasizes the resoluteness and lack of ambiguity in the decision.

a clear-cut determination

Focuses on the unambiguous and straightforward nature of the decision.

a well-defined resolution

Emphasizes the precision and clarity of the decision's outcome.

a resolute judgment

Highlights the firmness and unwavering nature of the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp decision" to describe a choice that is decisive, quick, and impactful. For example, "The company made "a sharp decision" to invest in new technology."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp decision"?

Alternatives include "a decisive resolution", "a prompt determination", or "an incisive judgment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a sharp decision" or "a sharply decision"?

"A sharp decision" is correct. "Sharp" is an adjective modifying the noun "decision". "Sharply" is an adverb and would be used to modify a verb, not a noun.

What's the difference between "a sharp decision" and "a difficult decision"?

"A sharp decision" emphasizes the speed and decisiveness of the choice, while "a difficult decision" highlights the challenges and complexities involved in making the choice. They describe different aspects of the decision-making process.