a sharp retort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp retort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick, witty, or cutting response to a comment or question, often in a conversation or debate. Example: "When he criticized her work, she shot back with a sharp retort that left him speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Do justice!' " Justice Holmes gave a sharp retort: "That is not my job.

The New York Times

That prompted a sharp retort from Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers.

The New York Times

Senator Dodd has a sharp retort when I asked him about that warning: "Oh, that's very patriotic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Cuomo's office issued a sharp retort, saying, "This is just Eliot and his minions still trying to vindicate Eliot".

The New York Times

But Mary Jo White, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, issued a sharp retort.

The New York Times

During a mock press interview his interrogator's every question concerned his father and, eventually, prompted a sharp retort.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Mrs. Clinton's public criticism last week drew an unusually sharp retort from Mr. Putin, who suggested that the United States had instigated widespread antigovernment protests and that Mrs. Clinton had sent demonstrators "a signal" by criticizing the elections.

The New York Times

Brady might not be a like-for-like replacement but as someone who has prospered in the male-dominated world of football, she has had to come up with a few sharp retorts of her own.

The Guardian

Criticized for buying a bride, Argan delivers a razor-sharp retort about what is for sale these days.

The New York Times

With that sharp retort, Mr. Bush showed how aggressively Republicans were moving to expose what party leaders view as Senator John Edwards's greatest vulnerability: his lack of experience.

The New York Times

Read the full statement!" The sharp retort seems to catch Alexander off guard, but he soon regroups, pointing out that Trump's full comment in 1999 included the mild caveat that he was uncomfortable with "the concept of abortion".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp retort" when you want to emphasize a quick, critical, and often witty response to a statement or question, particularly in contexts where opinions clash or arguments arise.

Common error

While "a sharp retort" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "a direct response" or "a pointed rebuttal" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp retort" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an instance of responding quickly and critically. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp retort" is a commonly used phrase to describe a quick and critical response, often in situations involving conflict or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral to slightly informal register. When writing, consider the formality of your context and choose more neutral alternatives if needed. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to succinctly convey both the speed and critical nature of the response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a biting comeback

Emphasizes the critical and potentially hurtful nature of the response. The focus is on how incisive and potentially damaging it is.

a cutting reply

Highlights the severe or sarcastic quality of the response. It suggests the response is intended to wound or offend.

a stinging rejoinder

This alternative stresses the painful impact of the reply, using "stinging" to convey emotional or intellectual discomfort.

a quick riposte

Implies a swift and clever response, often in a witty or combative manner. The timing and intelligence are key aspects.

a pointed rebuttal

Stresses that the response directly addresses and invalidates a specific argument or point. "Pointed" signifies a targeted attack.

a tart response

Focuses on the sharp or bitter tone of the reply. This suggests a lack of pleasantness or patience.

an acrimonious answer

Indicates that the answer is filled with bitterness and resentment. The emotional aspect is foregrounded.

a swift retort

This variant emphasizes the speed of the response, suggesting it was immediate and decisive, though not necessarily negative.

an immediate answer

Focuses only on the immediacy of the response, without implying any negativity or cleverness.

a terse reply

Implies the response is brief and concise, potentially to the point of being rude or dismissive. Brevity is the central aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp retort" to describe a quick, critical, and often witty response. For example, "When he criticized her proposal, she delivered "a sharp retort" that silenced him immediately."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp retort"?

Alternatives include "a biting comeback", "a cutting reply", or "a stinging rejoinder", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a sharp retort" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a sharp retort" might be too informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "a direct response" or "a pointed rebuttal" for a more neutral tone.

What distinguishes "a sharp retort" from "a simple answer"?

"A sharp retort" implies a quick, critical, and often clever response, while "a simple answer" refers to a straightforward and neutral reply. The key difference lies in the intention and tone of the response; a retort is usually more confrontational or witty.