a sharp jolt

USAGE SUMMARY

'a sharp jolt' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a sudden, unexpected and strong shock or movement. For example: The sudden noise gave me a sharp jolt and I almost jumped out of my skin.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I feel a sharp jolt of love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first term of the Roberts court was a sharp jolt to the right.

The New York Times

Plop another tiny cube, a creamy frozen square of minced garlic, into a pasta sauce, and watch it dissolve, releasing a sharp jolt of flavor.

The New York Times - Food

One day a woman from his former life passed by, with a violent scent and a sharp jolt to his heart.

The Guardian - Books

On the fate of Mr. bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, Mr. Brown, speaking Sunday, offered a sharp jolt to Pakistan.

The New York Times

Tests to establish whether a sharp jolt on the track could cause the wrong message to be transmitted have been carried out not only by WS Atkins but also by other technical experts hired by representatives of the survivors and bereaved.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A few days into the trip, my knee gave me a sudden, sharp jolt midway down a steep set of subway steps.

Huffington Post

Duck breast, cut very thick, also demands a good, sharp jolt of fruit and acid.

The New York Times - Food

The formula has been so successful during the past quarter-century that it comes as a particularly sharp jolt to see Taiwan and Hong Kong, two Chinese enclaves where pragmatism reigned for many years, responding erratically to the Communist Party's elixir.

The New York Times

But some have been introduced with scarcely any warning, causing a sharp financial jolt.

The Economist

Walter Mosley's anomalous new novel begins with a sharp little jolt.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp jolt" to effectively convey a sudden and impactful experience, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. Ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and intensity of the jolt.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "a sharp jolt" when describing similar experiences. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "sudden shock", "jarring impact", or "startling revelation" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp jolt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It describes a sudden and intense experience, whether physical or emotional.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Food

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp jolt" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that conveys a sudden and intense experience, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests it is suitable for describing unexpected and impactful events. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with some usage in food and book-related content. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing it and to consider synonyms like "sudden shock" or "jarring impact" to maintain clarity and engagement. Use it when you want to express a sudden and strong reaction or movement. The phrase is considered uncommon, so its intentional application is advisable to add an important nuance to your sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden shock

Focuses on the abruptness and surprise of the event, emphasizing the emotional or psychological impact.

a violent tremor

Implies a more intense and potentially destructive shaking or disturbance, often associated with physical phenomena.

a jarring impact

Highlights the forceful collision or striking effect, emphasizing the physical aspect of the event.

an abrupt upheaval

Suggests a sudden and significant change or disruption, often in a social or political context.

a seismic shift

Implies a major and far-reaching change, drawing a parallel to the scale and impact of an earthquake.

a stinging sensation

Describes a sharp, painful feeling, often localized and immediate.

an acute pang

Focuses on a sudden and intense feeling of emotional or physical pain.

a piercing stab

Suggests a sharp and penetrating pain, both physically and emotionally.

a rude awakening

Focuses on the unpleasant surprise of realizing a harsh truth or reality.

a startling revelation

Emphasizes the unexpected and surprising nature of a discovery or realization.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp jolt" to describe a sudden physical sensation, like "The car hit a pothole, giving us "a sharp jolt"", or a sudden emotional or mental shock, like "The news of her death gave me "a sharp jolt"".

What are some synonyms for "a sharp jolt"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "sudden shock", "jarring impact", or "startling revelation".

Is it correct to say "a sharp jolt of pain"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a sudden, intense feeling of pain. You could also say "a sharp pang of pain".

What is the difference between "a sharp jolt" and "a sudden jolt"?

"A sharp jolt" emphasizes the intensity and suddenness of the movement or shock, while "a sudden jolt" primarily highlights the abruptness. The first refers to a sudden painful experience. The second is more neutral and refers only to unexpected occurence.