a sharp laugh of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp laugh of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wanted to describe the sound of somebody's laughter. For example, "The old man let out a sharp laugh of delight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He followed this with a sharp laugh of self-surprise.

The New Yorker

With a sharp laugh of triumph, not even waiting for Toczko to sit down, I stepped forward and sang out, "L-Y-R-E!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Vikander, sitting next to him, let loose a sharp laugh.

Los Angeles Times

Stephen Colbert, always good for a sharp laugh, recorded a video, too.

Huffington Post

I distinctly hear the guy next to me say "What the f**k has that k**b got on his head?" Then the background hubbub begins to take cohesion; a girl's sharp laugh, the magical sound of shaking ice, vintage Bob Dylan on the stereo.

Huffington Post

He drew his finger across his throat and laughed a sharp, bitter laugh when asked what would happen if he went home.

The New York Times

Emer turned from the window, gave a sharp little laugh.

The New Yorker

For every melancholy moment, though, there's a super-sharp laugh.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He led the conversation with a sharp intelligence, laughing at jokes, struggling to give an absurd conceit logical consistency.

The New Yorker

And Lynette, easygoing with a mess of blond hair, a big laugh and a sharp sense of humor, was telling Maria how much they'd enjoyed the family's recent vacation to Costa Rica.

The Washington Post

According to the report, taking a sharp intake of breath as you laugh also presents dangers, as not only can it lead to foreign objects being lodged in your throat, but also provoke an asthmatic attack.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp laugh of" to depict a sudden, often brief, and sometimes unsettling burst of laughter. It is most effective in descriptive writing where you want to convey a specific emotional tone.

Common error

Avoid overuse of adjectives like "sharp" in close proximity. Vary your descriptions by using different sensory details to enrich your writing.

Linguistic Context

Grammatically, "a sharp laugh of" functions as a noun phrase, describing a specific type of laughter. It combines an article, an adjective, and a noun to create a vivid image. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though the examples are limited.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp laugh of" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon way to describe laughter. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it paints a vivid, albeit sometimes unsettling, picture. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is best suited for descriptive writing where conveying the specific sound and emotional undertones of laughter is crucial. Consider alternatives like "a sudden burst of laughter" for varying emphasis. While appropriate, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and avoid overuse of similar adjectives for stylistic balance. Frequency: Rare

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden burst of laughter

Focuses on the abruptness and intensity of the laugh.

a piercing chuckle

Emphasizes the high-pitched or penetrating quality of the laugh.

a brittle laugh

Highlights the fragile or strained nature of the laughter.

a forced laugh

Indicates that the laughter is insincere or unnatural.

a nervous giggle

Suggests that the laughter is caused by anxiety or discomfort.

a cutting laugh

Implies the laughter is sarcastic or intended to hurt.

a short, abrupt laugh

Details the brevity and suddenness of the laughter.

a mirthless laugh

Conveys the absence of genuine amusement in the laughter.

a sarcastic chuckle

Indicates that the laughter is mocking or cynical.

a dry laugh

Suggests the laughter lacks emotion or warmth.

FAQs

How can I describe laughter in a more vivid way?

Instead of generic terms, try using descriptive phrases such as "a sudden burst of laughter", "a piercing chuckle", or "a brittle laugh" to convey specific qualities of the sound.

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

Depending on the context, you might use "a forced laugh", "a nervous giggle", or "a cutting laugh" to better capture the emotion behind the sound.

Is "a sharp laugh of" always appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a sharp laugh of" may sound somewhat literary or dramatic. In formal contexts, consider more neutral descriptions like "brief laughter" or "a sudden chuckle" if the specific emotional tone isn't necessary.

What does "sharp" imply when describing laughter?

When used to describe laughter, "sharp" suggests a sudden, sometimes jarring, quality. It can imply a lack of warmth, sarcasm, or even a hint of malice, depending on the context. It's different than just "a laugh".