a sharp riposte

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp riposte" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick, witty, or incisive reply, often in a debate or argument. Example: "Her sharp riposte left him momentarily speechless, as she countered his criticism with a clever comeback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We gave them a sharp riposte with the gun mounted on the top," Lieutenant d'Orleans said.

The New York Times

And Gore's campaign finance piety invited a sharp riposte: He's all for putting the barn door in a lockbox after stealing the fund-raising horse.

The New York Times

Mackail-Smith very nearly conjured a sharp riposte, toe-poking fractionally off target after Tomlin and Boyd hadonce again cut Huddersfield's defence open.

The Guardian - Sport

In a sharp riposte he reveals that he's known Hodge for 30 years and eaten breakfasts in her kitchen after leafleting residents for her when she was leader of Islington Council.

The Guardian

Bill de Blasio, the public advocate and another Democratic candidate for mayor, issued a sharp riposte minutes after Ms. Quinn's address had ended, blasting the speaker for working with the mayor to obstruct policies "that would make a real difference to the lives of working families".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As David Cameron has acknowledged, that one sharp riposte encompassed a volume of speeches about social cohesion, and the difference between the terrorism of Islamic State and the teachings of the Islamic faith.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their applause when a sharp Clarke riposte one-upped a Republican interrogator, the supercilious former Illinois governor James Thompson, played mightily on screen, as did their tearful embraces of Mr. Clarke after his testimony.

The New York Times - Arts

After 10 Nce4, the white pieces dominated the board, so it was understandable that Hickl would make a radical attempt to get them off his back with 10... f5, but he could not have reckoned with the sharp riposte 11 Bb5!

The New York Times

It meant that prime ministerial austerities with the truth lacked sharp ripostes: no, £8bn doesn't begin to cover the NHS crisis; no, social housing is being crippled; and, no, there's no "parity" between mental and physical health.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two guest judges included an uninteresting Avril Lavigne and a very tart Katy Perry, who had the sharpest riposte to Kara who went on and on about the inspiring backstory of a young man: "This is not a Lifetime movie!" No, but sometimes the Idol producers want it to be.

Huffington Post

8. Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3 Japan's sharpest riposte to the VW Golf and GTI, the Mazdas are for buyers who demand more from a small car: Not just price and practicality, but fun and refinement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp riposte" when you want to emphasize the cleverness and effectiveness of a reply, especially in a debate or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp riposte" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "quick retort" or "clever comeback" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp riposte" functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" modifies "riposte." It commonly acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a particular type of response. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp riposte" is a noun phrase describing a quick, clever, and effective response, often used in debates or arguments. Ludwig AI validates this construction as grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. While it isn't extremely common, appearing primarily in news and media sources, it adds a level of sophistication to writing when highlighting the quality of a reply. Consider varying your language with alternatives like "quick retort" or "clever comeback" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever comeback

Highlights the intelligence and wit of the reply.

a witty response

Highlights the humorous and intelligent nature of the reply.

a quick retort

Focuses on the speed and immediacy of the response.

a biting rejoinder

Emphasizes the critical or sarcastic nature of the reply.

a swift counter

Emphasizes the speed and reactive nature of the answer.

an incisive reply

Stresses the penetrating and clear-thinking quality of the response.

a trenchant rejoinder

Emphasizes the incisiveness and effectiveness of the response.

a pointed answer

Indicates a direct and relevant response.

a stinging rebuke

Conveys a sense of harshness or criticism in the response.

a cutting remark

Suggests a sharp, often hurtful comment in response.

FAQs

What does "a sharp riposte" mean?

The phrase "a sharp riposte" refers to a quick, clever, and often cutting or witty response to a statement or action, typically in a debate or argument. It implies intelligence and effectiveness in the reply.

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

You can use "a sharp riposte" to describe a clever and effective response. For example, "Her "sharp riposte" silenced her opponent during the debate".

What are some synonyms for "a sharp riposte"?

Some synonyms for "a sharp riposte" include "quick retort", "clever comeback", "witty response", and "biting rejoinder".

Is "a sharp riposte" formal or informal?

The phrase "a sharp riposte" is generally considered to be relatively formal, suitable for news articles, essays, and professional writing, but it can also appear in less formal contexts depending on the desired tone.