a sharp remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment that is pointed, critical, or cutting in nature. Example: "During the meeting, she made a sharp remark about the project's lack of progress, which caught everyone off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

(Raymond Sokolov would most likely have a sharp remark to make about that.) The love and observation behind the recipes ("Church divas easily make their presence known") will lead you to a further appreciation of what Pinner does with simple items like sugar and evaporated milk.

The New York Times - Books

Meanwhile, image activist Michaela Angela Davis delivered a sharp remark that begged no further debate: "Black girls are magic".

Huffington Post

Women do not like having their chests gawked at.[2] You may get attention, but it will not be the positive kind, and may result in a sharp remark or a slap.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Eppie has some generous words for Pauline Phillips, her sister and rival, but a few sharp remarks too, couched in cutesy colloquialisms.

The New York Times

And with Boris Johnson and Justine Greening kept out of the chamber by some of Theresa's sharp-elbowed minders, the worst blue-on-blue attack he was going to get was a few sharp remarks from the usually even-tempered Tania Mathias.

The Guardian

He relishes tales of political intrigue, does wicked impressions of Washington's most powerful figures and is quick with the sharp remark: "I can fix the campaign," he told many friends when he took off for Gore headquarters in Nashville this summer.

The New York Times

This relates well to: "go the second mile" or "turn the other cheek" which will often mean "hold your tongue" and swallow that sharp remark.

WikiHow

In sharp remarks before a breakfast meeting with Theresa May, the Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said Brexit-backing politicians had not "thought all this through" in the years they had been pushing for the UK to leave the EU.

The Guardian

Politics is a strict no-go zone for sharp remarks, and apparently benign bits of social commentary can turn sensitive with a change in political winds.

Huffington Post

Localism on a more municipal scale is analysed via some sharp remarks on the neo-Prussian redesign of Berlin, a conservative re-planning which, for Harvey, effaces the potential in the city's position between east and west, not to mention the possible contributions of its Turkish population.

The Guardian - Books

Tsipras' sharp remarks Friday were seen as an attempt to placate that wing, which has expressed concern he and Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis will capitulate too easily to German demands.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp remark" to describe a comment that is not only critical but also insightful or cleverly worded. Ensure the context warrants a remark that has a pointed edge.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp remark" when a neutral or complimentary statement is more appropriate. This phrase carries a connotation of criticism or negativity, which can be misconstrued if used carelessly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp remark" functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" modifies the noun "remark". It typically serves to describe a type of comment characterized by its incisiveness or critical nature. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp remark" is a phrase used to describe a pointed or critical comment, often delivered with wit or intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, as shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential negative connotations and ensure its appropriateness for the situation. Alternatives like "a biting comment" or "a scathing observation" may be considered based on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a biting comment

This alternative emphasizes the negative, hurtful aspect of the remark.

a scathing observation

This suggests a critical analysis that is harshly revealing.

a pointed criticism

Focuses on the directness and purposefulness of the critical statement.

a cutting retort

Implies a quick, clever, and often hurtful response.

a witty barb

Highlights the clever and slightly malicious nature of the remark.

an incisive comment

Emphasizes the clarity and penetration of the remark.

a trenchant observation

Highlights the keenness and forcefulness of the remark.

a sarcastic quip

Points to the use of sarcasm in the remark.

a tart reply

Suggests a short, sharp, and often rude response.

a clever jab

Highlights the quick, intelligent, and potentially hurtful nature of the remark.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp remark" to describe a pointed or critical comment someone makes. For instance, "Her "sharp remark" about his presentation made him defensive".

What's a less negative alternative to "a sharp remark"?

If you want a less negative alternative, consider using phrases like "a pointed observation" or "an insightful comment" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to make a sharp remark?

No, consider the situation and your relationship with the person. A "sharp remark" may be inappropriate in formal or sensitive settings.

What distinguishes "a sharp remark" from a simple criticism?

A "sharp remark" implies not just criticism but also a degree of cleverness or wit, making it more memorable and potentially more cutting than a simple criticism. It's a criticism delivered with "a witty barb".