a sharp discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation or debate that is intense, pointed, or confrontational in nature. Example: "The meeting turned into a sharp discussion about the company's future direction, with differing opinions being expressed passionately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And the city is in "a sharp discussion" with the Hanoi authorities, trying to get that percentage reduced in order to cope with the returning boat people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fusion declared that it would be a "different type of network" from the start, airing a sharp, discussion-based news show with Jorge Ramos at 8 PM followed by a comical satire-based show at 9 PM.

Huffington Post

On that basis each time we should have a thorough, sensible and sharp discussion.

TechCrunch

But concerns about the programs' cost, far beyond the means of most Chinese families, and their effectiveness have been the focus of a sharp national discussion since the crash of Asiana Flight 214 in San Francisco last month.

The New York Times

Sharp discussion in House of Commons about Mr. Dulles's warning to France on the consequences of failure to ratify the European Defense Community.

The New Yorker

ROME — In the newspapers and in political circles, the question of the future of the Aegean islands continues to be the subject of sharp discussion.

The New York Times

Sophismata like 'Love is a verb,' 'O Master,'ItIt rueth me' or 'I run' gave rise to very sharp discussions of grammatical categories and theories.

SEP

While the national television networks have been brought under the Kremlin's heel, the Internet is filled with sharp discussions and satire.

The New York Times

The meaning of "reasonable," though, has been a point of contention for shooting victims' families and their advocates, as well as the subject of sharp discussions in Mexican diplomatic circles.

The New York Times

In our study, sharp discussions emerged between participants who maintained that successful HIV prevention was predicated upon harm reduction, and those who instead had started to promote universal HIV disclosure as both legally and morally safer.

Critical Public Health

Speaking of the views of a membership, and the rights of women, it has been somewhat concerning, to say the least, to find that since the Tories came to power there has been a sharp increase in discussion of abortion limits, and access to abortion, and thus in the degree to which women's bodies are becoming a political issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp discussion" when you want to convey that a debate or conversation was intense, focused, and potentially contentious. It suggests that participants had strong, well-defined opinions and weren't afraid to express them.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp discussion" simply to mean 'a good discussion'. The term 'sharp' implies a degree of intensity, disagreement, or critical examination that might not always be present or appropriate. If the conversation was merely productive or insightful, consider using terms like "fruitful exchange" or "enlightening conversation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp discussion" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'sharp' modifies 'discussion'. This describes a specific type of discussion characterized by intensity or disagreement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp discussion" is a noun phrase used to describe an intense and focused debate, often involving strong opinions or disagreements. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects an exchange that is intense, pointed, and perhaps even contentious. Be mindful of the nuance, as it implies a level of disagreement or critical analysis that might not always be appropriate or intended. Consider alternatives such as "an intense debate" or "a vigorous debate" if a less confrontational tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense debate

Emphasizes the high level of engagement and emotional investment in the discussion.

a heated argument

Suggests a strong disagreement and potentially angry exchanges.

a lively exchange

Highlights the dynamic and energetic nature of the discussion.

a vigorous debate

Focuses on the strength and energy put into arguing different points of view.

a critical analysis

Implies a detailed and evaluative examination of a subject.

a pointed debate

Suggests the exchange is direct and purposeful in its approach.

a serious deliberation

Highlights the gravity and thoughtful consideration given to the topic.

a robust conversation

Emphasizes that conversation is strong, healthy, and substantial.

a thorough examination

Suggests the process is in depth and comprehensive.

a penetrating inquiry

Focuses on keen insight and ability to understand things clearly and deeply.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp discussion" to describe a debate or conversation characterized by strong opinions and possibly disagreement. For instance, "The board meeting devolved into a sharp discussion about budget cuts."

What's a good alternative to "a sharp discussion"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a sharp discussion" include "an intense debate", "a vigorous debate", or "a heated argument". Each carries slightly different connotations regarding the level of disagreement and intensity.

Is "a sharp discussion" formal or informal?

"A sharp discussion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in neutral to formal writing. Its impact depends more on the surrounding context than on the phrase itself.

What makes "a sharp discussion" different from a regular discussion?

The key difference is intensity and focus. "A sharp discussion" implies a more pointed, critical, and potentially contentious exchange than a regular discussion, which might be more exploratory or consensus-oriented.