a sharp impact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp impact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and forceful effect or collision, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The car came to a halt after a sharp impact with the tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It appears to be largely responsible for the yen's weakening and could have a sharp impact.

The New York Times

Furthermore, it has been shown that the discount rate and fuel prices have a sharp impact on the LCOE.

Renewable Energy

Prevnar, the pneumonia vaccine sold by Wyeth, a drugmaker in Madison, N.J., has had a sharp impact in the United States.

The Washington Post

During the second Republican presidential debate on 16 September, Fiorina made a sharp impact when she said: "As regards Planned Parenthood, anyone who has watched this videotape, I dare Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama to watch these tapes.

The Guardian

Beyond the poetry, his dramas have a sharp impact because he also paid unwavering attention to the properly theatrical aspects of his creations, from actors' diction and gestures to space and decor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But some experts believe even a small reduction could have a sharp impact on the survival of the birds, who rely on numbers to survive attacks from sharks and seals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In spite of all efforts, the new-design watermill has not shown any sharp impact on its adoptability rate.

Applied Energy

The nationwide legalization in March 1990 of political parties other than the Communist Party had an especially sharp impact on Leningrad, as two months later elections for the city council gave a group of reform-minded Communists and reformers outside the Communist Party a substantial majority of the council seats.

Britannica

"One of the most prominent failure modes of a phone is sharp impact damage.

BBC

Aronofsky asked for "ten or fifteen hits of pain, for when you get shot and then stabbed the pains of sharp impact, and then a deep pain".

The New Yorker

Aronofsky asked for "ten or fifteen hits of pain, for when you get shot and then stabbed — the pains of sharp impact, and then a deep pain".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp impact" when you want to convey a sudden and noticeable effect or collision. The phrase is suitable for both physical events and abstract consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp impact" when you intend to describe a gradual or prolonged effect. The word "sharp" implies suddenness and immediacy, so it's not appropriate for describing effects that unfold over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp impact" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an effect or collision that is both sudden and forceful. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to denote the effects of various events or actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp impact" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It signifies a sudden and forceful effect, applicable in both literal and figurative contexts. Its frequency is uncommon, and it predominantly appears in news and media sources, with less frequent use in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig examples support the idea that this phrase is best used when describing an immediate and noticeable consequence, while avoiding its use for gradual changes. When writing, it is important to consider alternatives if the intent is to express effects that aren't necessarily sudden. Understanding these nuances helps writers employ the phrase accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant effect

Emphasizes the importance of the outcome but reduces the sense of suddenness.

a powerful effect

Focuses on the strength and intensity of the resulting outcome.

a marked influence

Highlights the noticeable change or effect brought about.

a strong influence

Stresses the degree of power in the effect, but not necessarily sudden.

a striking effect

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impressiveness of the impact.

an immediate consequence

Focuses on the direct and swift result of an action.

a profound change

Indicates a deep and far-reaching alteration, but does not imply suddenness.

a sudden change

Highlights the abruptness of the alteration, less focused on the result.

a sudden jolt

Focuses on the abrupt and startling quality of the effect.

a forceful blow

Uses 'blow' to convey a sudden and powerful effect, often negative.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp impact" to describe a sudden and forceful effect, for example: "The new regulations had "a sharp impact" on the industry."

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

Depending on the context, you can replace "a sharp impact" with phrases like "a significant effect", "a powerful effect", or "an immediate consequence".

Is it correct to say "the sharpest impact"?

Yes, "the sharpest impact" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the most significant or intense effect among others. It's used to single out the most prominent influence or result.

What's the difference between "a sharp impact" and "a strong impact"?

"A sharp impact" implies a sudden and immediate effect, while "a strong impact" suggests a powerful or influential effect, regardless of its speed. The former emphasizes the abruptness, the latter the intensity.