a sharp question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is incisive, thought-provoking, or challenging, often prompting deeper reflection or discussion. Example: "During the debate, she posed a sharp question that caught everyone off guard and made them reconsider their positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Justice Wells did not want to hear Mr. Hancock's lofty definition of democracy; he got right to business with a sharp question about when the hand recounts of ballots had to be finished before Florida jeopardized its electoral votes.

The New York Times

If either Obama or Romney had been asked a sharp question about how they would plan for a Venezuela after Hugo Chavez or how they would respond to a civil conflict there, it seems doubtful that they would have had a carefully rehearsed answer.

The New Yorker

Speaking to members of the House Democratic caucus on Capitol Hill, Mr. Obama said in answer to a sharp question from Representative Ed Perlmutter of Colorado that he believed Mr. Summers had been maligned in the liberal news media, according to several House Democrats who attended the meeting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He challenged reporters with an unrehearsed, sharp question when he thought something was left unclear in their stories.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the slums of Brazil or the war zones of Africa, the way the church works is a huge and sharp question, because so little else works.

The Economist

Similar limits on cable and broadcasting companies have come under sharp question by a pair of rulings from a Federal appeals court in Washington.

The New York Times

Councilmembers Reynoso and Torres, two young men of color, had a few sharp questions for Bratton.

Huffington Post

Would Arsène Wenger progress an 18-year-old Tony Adams today?" That sharp question filters back down to grassroots.

The Guardian - Sport

Second, if the Saudis decide to scuttle the meeting again, the move will bring the future of OPEC into sharp question.

Huffington Post

Ross may also face sharp question over his willingness to do business with some of Russia's wealthiest and least savory businessmen.

Huffington Post

After a series of sharp questions about the entry, Major Calhoun, on the advice of his counsel, decided to exercise his legal right to stop testifying.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp question" when you want to emphasize the incisiveness or challenging nature of an inquiry. This phrase is particularly effective in describing questions that cut through ambiguity or reveal underlying issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp question" in contexts where gentler or more exploratory inquiries are appropriate. Overusing 'sharp' can create an unnecessarily confrontational tone, especially when seeking collaborative or empathetic understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp question" functions as a noun phrase that describes a question with qualities of incisiveness or challenge. Ludwig AI provides examples where the phrase is used to describe specific questions posed in legal, political, and general contexts, illustrating its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp question" is a noun phrase effectively used to describe an inquiry that is incisive, challenging, or thought-provoking. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media sources. When writing, use "a sharp question" to emphasize the intellectual rigor or potential difficulty associated with an inquiry. Be mindful of the context to avoid using it in situations that require a gentler approach. Alternatives such as "a probing inquiry" or "an incisive query" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging question

This alternative highlights the difficulty or complexity the question presents.

a thought-provoking question

This phrase emphasizes the question's ability to stimulate thinking and reflection.

an incisive query

This phrase highlights the penetrating and clear-thinking nature of the question.

a penetrating question

Similar to 'incisive', this highlights the question's ability to get to the heart of the matter.

a probing inquiry

This alternative focuses on the depth and thoroughness of the question, emphasizing its intent to uncover information.

a keen question

This option stresses the intelligence and insight behind the question.

a critical inquiry

This phrase focuses on the question's role in evaluating or assessing something.

a clever question

This alternative stresses the ingenuity and wit of the question.

a perspicacious question

This emphasizes the question's perceptiveness and understanding.

a pointed interrogation

This alternative suggests a more direct and potentially confrontational questioning style.

FAQs

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

Use "a sharp question" to denote an incisive and thought-provoking query that challenges assumptions or reveals hidden aspects of a situation. For example, "The lawyer posed "a sharp question" that exposed the witness's contradictory statements."

What's the difference between "a sharp question" and "a simple question"?

"A sharp question" implies depth, critical thinking, and potential challenge, while "a simple question" denotes straightforwardness and ease of understanding. A "sharp question" aims to probe beneath the surface, while a simple question seeks basic information.

What are some alternative phrases to "a sharp question" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "a probing inquiry", "an incisive query", or "a challenging question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it best to avoid using "a sharp question"?

Avoid using "a sharp question" in contexts where a gentle or supportive approach is needed. For example, when interviewing someone who is already distressed or in situations that require empathy and understanding. Instead, opt for a more supportive phrasing.