a sharp sense of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sharp sense of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's understanding of something, such as their ability to recognize, remember, or judge accurately. Example: She had a sharp sense of fashion, always picking out the best-dressed outfit for any occasion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr Calderón appears to have a sharp sense of priorities.

The Economist

But he has a sharp sense of humor.

The New York Times

A warm tone and a sharp sense of humor bolster her restrained artistry.

The New Yorker

A sharp sense of generation gap one of the motors of a children's literature scarcely existed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even some commission members feel a sharp sense of frustration and disappointment.

The New York Times

She had a sharp sense of humor and was not afraid to express her opinions.

The New York Times

She also showed a sharp sense of the state's distinct relationship with the federal government.

The New York Times

In this, he is well served by a sharp sense of humor.

The New Yorker

She possessed a keen intellect, a sharp sense of humor, and great beauty.

The New York Times

He seldom revealed his emotions, but had a sharp sense of humor.

The New Yorker

Ventura also has a sharp sense of humor, too, but his style is dry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider if a simpler adjective like "perceptive" or "astute" might suffice without losing the descriptive power.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a sharp sense of" when a milder term like "awareness" or "understanding" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound exaggerated or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp sense of" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality or nature of someone's perception, understanding, or awareness. According to Ludwig, it’s a correct phrase that refers to a person's ability to recognize, remember, or judge accurately. The provided examples demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp sense of" is a versatile phrase used to describe someone's acute perception or understanding. As verified by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts, primarily within news and media. While alternatives like "keen awareness of" or "strong understanding of" exist, "a sharp sense of" specifically emphasizes quick and accurate insight. It's essential to avoid overuse and ensure it accurately reflects the intended level of perception. This phrase is a valuable asset for writers seeking to convey nuanced descriptions of character and ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a keen awareness of

Replaces "sense" with "awareness", highlighting a conscious understanding.

a strong understanding of

Substitutes "sense" with "understanding", emphasizing comprehension.

a perceptive grasp of

Uses "grasp" instead of "sense", indicating a firm hold on the concept.

an acute appreciation for

Replaces "sense" with "appreciation", suggesting a valuing of something.

a clear recognition of

Emphasizes the act of identifying or acknowledging something distinctly.

a profound insight into

Highlights a deep level of understanding or intuition.

a developed instinct for

Suggests an inherent or cultivated ability to understand.

a refined sensibility to

Indicates a heightened responsiveness or sensitivity.

a distinct consciousness of

Emphasizes an awareness that is clear and unmistakable.

a heightened sensitivity to

Focuses on an increased ability to perceive subtle details or changes.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp sense of" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp sense of" to describe someone's ability to quickly and accurately understand or perceive something. For example, "She had "a sharp sense of humor"" or "He demonstrated "a sharp sense of priorities"".

What are some alternatives to "a sharp sense of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "keen awareness of", "strong understanding of", or "perceptive grasp of".

Is it better to say "sharp sense of" or "strong sense of"?

While both are acceptable, "a sharp sense of" implies a quickness and accuracy of perception, whereas "a strong sense of" suggests a deeply ingrained feeling or belief. The better choice depends on the specific meaning you intend to convey. For example, you may have "a strong sense of justice" or "a sharp sense of irony".

How does "a sharp sense of" differ from "a good sense of"?

"A good sense of" generally means having a reasonable or adequate understanding. "A sharp sense of", on the other hand, implies a more acute, insightful, and discerning understanding. Therefore, "a sharp sense of humor" differs from "a good sense of humor".