a sharp dose of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp dose of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intense experience, often in a metaphorical sense, such as receiving a sudden realization or a harsh truth. Example: "After hearing the news, I felt a sharp dose of reality hit me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As for house prices, they too will at some point encounter a sharp dose of economic reality.

The Guardian - Books

But a sharp dose of economic pain in countries that are highly volatile could have the opposite effect.

The Guardian

But Brown has added a sharp dose of the here and now.

The Guardian - Arts

In her poem The Miracle of the Bees and the Foxgloves, Anne Stevenson undercuts myth and magic with a sharp dose of science.

The Guardian - Books

Now that President Bush has appointed him chairman of the President's Council on Bioethics, Dr. Kass is at last in a position to administer, if he chooses, a sharp dose of corrective medicine.

The New York Times - Science

For years it has been argued by the architects of market capitalism that a sharp dose of inequality would kick-start enterprise, boost growth and be good for us all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But for a short, sharp dose of sun, with good food, great service and a respectable range of good-quality spa treatments (at respectable prices), it could be just what the doctor ordered.

The Guardian - Travel

With over one million young people now unemployed, internships offer a short sharp dose of career insight and experience that can put you ahead of the pack in an overcrowded job market.

The Guardian

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) enabled radiation physicists to create treatment plans with highly individualized dose distributions and a sharp dose gradient at the interface of tumor volume and healthy organ, even if the latter is virtually enclosed by the former [ 5].

BMC Cancer

The physical characteristics include a low dose deposition within the entry channel of the particle beam, followed by a steep dose deposition called the Bragg Peak, which is followed by a sharp dose fall-off.

BMC Cancer

GKS enables the delivery of a high tumor dose in one single fraction by converging multiple beams to a stereotactically defined target, creating a sharp dose fall-off at the tumor margin with minimal radiation to the surrounding brain [ 5].

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp dose of" when you want to convey a sense of suddenness and intensity. It's suitable for describing impactful experiences, realizations, or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp dose of" in overly casual or informal settings. The phrase carries a somewhat formal tone and might sound out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp dose of" functions as a modifier, adding intensity and suddenness to the noun it precedes. It often denotes a potent or impactful experience, as indicated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp dose of" is a phrase used to describe an intense or sudden experience. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science and formal business writing. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively conveys intensity and abruptness. When using the phrase, consider the level of formality of your writing and avoid using it in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong measure of

Substitutes "dose" with "measure", emphasizing the quantity or degree.

a potent amount of

Replaces "sharp dose" with a more general term for a strong quantity.

an intense wave of

Highlights the overwhelming nature of the experience.

a sudden burst of

Focuses on the abruptness of the experience rather than the intensity.

a jolt of

Implies a sudden and impactful experience, similar to an electric shock.

a shock of

Emphasizes the surprising and unsettling nature of the experience.

a sting of

Suggests a painful or unpleasant experience.

a taste of

Indicates a brief or introductory experience.

a rude awakening to

Highlights the unpleasant and disillusioning nature of a sudden realization.

a heavy blow of

Emphasizes the negative and impactful nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp dose of" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp dose of" to describe sudden or intense experiences. For instance, "The market crash delivered "a sharp dose of" reality to inexperienced investors".

What are some alternatives to "a sharp dose of"?

Alternatives include "a potent amount of", "a strong measure of", or "a sudden burst of depending on the nuance you want to convey".

Is "a heavy dose of" similar in meaning to "a sharp dose of"?

While both imply intensity, "a heavy dose of" suggests a large quantity or degree, whereas ""a sharp dose of"" emphasizes suddenness and impact.

What is the difference between "a jolt of" and "a sharp dose of"?

"A jolt of" implies a sudden shock or surprise, while ""a sharp dose of"" refers to a more intense and possibly unpleasant experience or realization.