a sharp response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick, pointed, or incisive reply, often in a conversation or debate. Example: "Her sharp response to the criticism left everyone in the room speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That comment prompted a sharp response from the Kerry campaign.

The New York Times

That drew a sharp response from Mr. Nardelli.

The New York Times

Lincoln wrote a sharp response, which he didn't send.

The New Yorker

The statement provoked a sharp response from Justice Scalia.

The New York Times

It did, however, provoke a sharp response from Beijing.

The New York Times

That drew a sharp response from Ms. Miner.

The New York Times

His words drew a sharp response from immigrant advocacy groups.

The New York Times

The report prompted a sharp response from Mr. Wolfensohn in a private letter to board members.

The New York Times

But that comment quickly triggered a sharp response from Mr. Boehner's office.

The New York Times

Tony Hall gets angry when his sharp elbows bring a sharp response.

The Guardian

The threat has also elicited a sharp response from some Europeans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp response" to convey a sense of immediacy and directness in the reply. It's particularly effective when highlighting a critical or defensive reaction to a statement or action.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "sharp" to describe responses in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "pointed", "direct", or "incisive" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp response" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb. It describes the nature of a reply or reaction, indicating it was quick, direct, and possibly critical or defensive. Ludwig's examples show it often follows verbs like 'draw', 'prompt', 'elicit', and 'trigger'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp response" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a quick, direct, and often critical reply. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, highlighting its usefulness in reporting immediate reactions to events or statements. While generally neutral, the phrase carries an implication of intensity and potential defensiveness. Writers should be mindful of the context and choose synonyms like "a pointed rebuttal" or "a stinging retort" to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement. Use "a sharp response" when you want to emphasize the immediacy and directness of a reply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pointed rebuttal

This emphasizes the act of disproving something with a clear and focused response.

a cutting reply

This option implies a response that is intentionally hurtful or critical.

a tart reply

This suggests a response that is sharp and somewhat bitter or unpleasant.

a stinging retort

This alternative suggests a more aggressive and hurtful response.

a brisk rejoinder

This implies a quick, efficient, and often slightly impatient response.

an emphatic denial

This emphasizes the forcefulness and certainty of the rejection.

a direct answer

This focuses on the clarity and straightforwardness of the response.

a concise answer

This focuses on the brevity and lack of unnecessary detail in the response.

a firm statement

This highlights the decisiveness and conviction behind the response.

an immediate reaction

This highlights the speed and spontaneity of the response.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp response" to describe how someone reacted to criticism or an accusation. For example, "The accusation drew "a sharp response" from the defendant, who vehemently denied the charges."

What's the difference between "a sharp response" and "a strong response"?

"A sharp response" implies a quick, direct, and often critical reply, while "a strong response" suggests a forceful or impactful reaction that may not necessarily be immediate or critical. A strong response might involve detailed arguments or significant actions.

What can I say instead of "a sharp response"?

You can use alternatives like "a pointed rebuttal", "a cutting reply", or "a stinging retort" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to give "a sharp response"?

No, the appropriateness of "a sharp response" depends on the context and your relationship with the other person. In professional settings, a more diplomatic or measured reply might be preferable to avoid escalating conflicts.