a sharp premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a premise that is clear, incisive, or well-defined, often in the context of an argument or narrative. Example: "The author presented a sharp premise that challenged conventional thinking and sparked lively debate among readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the course of their careers, many great directors work in different tones, genres, and registers, but few display such a sharp divide in their premises — and in the quality of the resulting work — as does Richard Linklater.

The New Yorker

Call it unilateralism or whatever, it is a sharp break from our postwar premise that if wisely negotiated, treaties enhance our security.

The New York Times

Dilnot himself admitted he was "a Pollyanna-like kind of guy" and stressed that his odds were premised upon a sharp raising of the political temperature on the issue.

The Guardian

Donald Trump's modus operandi has a sharp focus: never budge from the premise that the universe revolves around you, and, above all, stay in character.

The New Yorker

The negation of the second premise classically implies a sharp threshold for childhood.

SEP

It's A-sharp!

The Guardian - Books

"Loins of Punjab Presents," a witty musical comedy with a sharp political edge, is built on a satisfyingly simple premise.

The New York Times

His modus operandi had a sharp focus: fly the flag, never budge from the premise that the universe revolves around you, and, above all, stay in character.

The New Yorker

Directed by Manish Acharya 1 hour 28 minutes; not rated "Loins of Punjab Presents," a witty musical comedy with a sharp political edge, is built on a satisfyingly simple premise.

The New York Times

A sharp whistle.

The New York Times

They turned a sharp corner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When establishing the foundation of an argument or story, ensure your premise is not only understandable but also memorable. A "sharp premise" is one that immediately grabs attention and sets a clear direction.

Common error

Avoid making your "sharp premise" too simplistic or reductive. While clarity is key, ensure the premise still captures the nuance and complexity of the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp premise" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "premise". It serves to emphasize the clarity and incisiveness of the premise being described. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage, indicating that it is a valid and understandable construction.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp premise" is an adjectival phrase used to describe a foundational idea that is clear, focused, and incisive. While the phrase itself is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, it is not commonly found in written English, indicating a relatively low frequency of use. When employing this phrase, ensure that the 'sharpness' of the premise doesn't lead to oversimplification, and that it appropriately captures the complexity of the subject matter. Consider using alternatives like "a clear premise" or "a strong premise" to achieve similar effects with potentially greater resonance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear premise

Replaces "sharp" with "clear", focusing on the understandability of the premise.

a well-defined premise

Substitutes "sharp" with "well-defined", emphasizing the premise's precise boundaries.

a focused premise

Replaces "sharp" with "focused", highlighting the premise's concentrated nature.

a strong premise

Uses "strong" instead of "sharp", emphasizing the premise's robustness and impact.

an incisive premise

Replaces "sharp" with "incisive", focusing on the premise's ability to cut to the core of the issue.

a perceptive premise

Substitutes "sharp" with "perceptive", emphasizing the premise's insightful quality.

a keen premise

Uses "keen" instead of "sharp", highlighting the premise's intellectual sharpness.

a distinct premise

Replaces "sharp" with "distinct", emphasizing the premise's unique and clear nature.

a precise premise

Substitutes "sharp" with "precise", focusing on the premise's accuracy and exactness.

a trenchant premise

Uses "trenchant" instead of "sharp", emphasizing the premise's penetrating and effective nature.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a sharp premise" in my writing?

Start by clearly defining the core idea or argument you want to convey. Ensure it's concise, memorable, and easily understandable. This will set the stage for a compelling and persuasive narrative or argument.

What are some alternatives to saying "a sharp premise"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear premise", "a well-defined premise", or "a strong premise" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a premise "sharp" as opposed to just being a "premise"?

A "sharp premise" is distinct because it is particularly clear, focused, and incisive. It immediately grabs attention and provides a strong foundation for what follows, whereas a general "premise" might be less defined or impactful.

Is using "a sharp premise" suitable for all types of writing?

While "a sharp premise" is generally positive, it's most effective in persuasive, analytical, or narrative writing where clarity and impact are crucial. In more exploratory or descriptive writing, a less assertive approach might be more appropriate.