a sharp perception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp perception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a keen ability to notice or understand things quickly and accurately. Example: "Her sharp perception of social cues made her an excellent mediator in conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She has a fine fit of hormonal rage, but, like the other heroines in the slacker-striver romances, she isn't given an idea or a snappy remark or even a sharp perception.

The New Yorker

Their flaw, New Yorker critic David Denby noted of Katherine Heigl in Knocked Up, was that "like [Apatow's] other heroines… she isn't given an idea or a snappy remark or even a sharp perception".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The performances by Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard as the repressed would-be lovers are exquisitely modulated; the narrative is tightly constructed (it is, at 86 minutes, Lean's shortest picture); the black-and-white cinematography of Robert Krasker is eloquent, its crispness a neat reflection of the painfully sharp perception the lovers share in their fleeting afternoons together.

The New York Times

In contrast, hemodynamic activity was mainly increased in the above mentioned limbic brain regions if the needle sensation was accompanied by a sharp pain perception or when a cutaneous, tactile control stimulus was applied [ 14].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

But much of the credit must go to Ms. Crothers, whose ear for breezy dialogue, jaundiced but sympathetic eye and sharp perception of the conflicts between family and career lend the play a very contemporary tone and relevance.

The New York Times

I think that there's a reason for this, one that's built into the story and that reflects Linklater's sharp perception of its implications.

The New Yorker

But this ability is remarkable enough in its own right, for the cues are often given unconsciously by the human trainer, and detection of such subtle signals requires extremely sharp perception.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel," a lavish trove of sharp perceptions and firm opinions, includes the author's vision of her next novel that is, the present one, foreseen as "spherical and self-contained, but jammed with things, like a spaceship made of Venetian glass, shining, intricate, and full of colors".

The New Yorker

"Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel," a lavish trove of sharp perceptions and firm opinions, includes the author's vision of her next novel — that is, the present one, foreseen as "spherical and self-contained, but jammed with things, like a spaceship made of Venetian glass, shining, intricate, and full of colors".

The New Yorker

For a truly fresh take on the Bard, that's to say one without an Oscar winner but with sharp perceptions aplenty, turn instead to the Almeida Theatre's "Measure For Measure," which also marks this north London venue's first foray into Shakespeare since its artistic director, Michael Attenborough, took the reins in 2003.

The New York Times

Through his study of Tokugawa period (1603 1867) literature, he led a revival of interest in the 17th-century writer Ihara Saikaku, whose sharp perceptions he blended with his own poetic aesthetic to create a style of romantic realism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp perception" to describe someone's ability to quickly and accurately understand complex situations or subtle cues. For instance, "Her sharp perception of market trends allowed her to make profitable investment decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp perception" when describing purely physical senses like eyesight or hearing. Instead, use it to convey insightful understanding or quick comprehension of abstract concepts or situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp perception" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular quality or attribute of someone or something. It signifies an acute ability to understand or notice things that are not obvious to others. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp perception" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's keen ability to understand or notice subtle details. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Though relatively rare in occurrence, it's primarily found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. It serves to highlight intelligence and awareness and can be replaced by alternatives like "keen insight" or "acute awareness". When using the phrase, ensure it refers to cognitive understanding rather than physical senses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perceptive insight

Combines the elements of both perception and deeper understanding.

keen insight

Focuses on the depth of understanding rather than the sensory or immediate nature of perception.

acute awareness

Emphasizes a heightened state of consciousness and sensitivity to surroundings.

incisive understanding

Highlights the ability to analyze and comprehend complex matters effectively.

astute observation

Stresses careful and discerning examination of details.

clear discernment

Highlights the ability to distinguish and differentiate accurately between concepts or situations.

razor-sharp intellect

Implies high intelligence and quick thinking, adding an element of sharpness to cognitive abilities.

subtle understanding

Indicates an appreciation for nuances and details that are not immediately obvious.

intuitive grasp

Focuses on understanding something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning.

penetrating mind

Emphasizes the capacity to delve deeply into a subject and uncover hidden truths.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp perception" to describe someone's ability to quickly and accurately understand complex situations. For example: "The detective's "sharp perception" of detail helped solve the case."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp perception"?

Alternatives to "a sharp perception" include "keen insight", "acute awareness", or "perceptive insight", depending on the specific context.

Is "a sharp perception" the same as "a keen sense"?

While both phrases relate to heightened awareness, "a sharp perception" typically refers to cognitive understanding, while "a keen sense" more often describes heightened sensory awareness (e.g., a keen sense of smell).

When is it appropriate to use "a sharp perception" over "good judgment"?

"A sharp perception" is appropriate when highlighting someone's ability to quickly grasp subtle details or understand complex situations, whereas "good judgment" refers to making sound decisions based on knowledge and experience.