a sharp sigh

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sharp sigh" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone expresses a deep emotion or feeling of exasperation with a short intake of breath. For example, "John let out a sharp sigh when he saw the amount of work he had to do that day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Grand Central!" one of them said with a sharp sigh of relief.

The New Yorker

Then a silence, and into that silence, a sharp sigh or a sound like a whistle through a keyhole: the body exsanguinates, and its flat little presence becomes a puddle of gore".

The New York Times - Books

The book closes as the king, "like the minotaur, breaths unseen in a labyrinth of rooms" while down river the sword that comes down on the queen's neck is "a sharp sigh or a sound like a whistle through a keyhole", and her "flat little presence becomes a puddle of gore".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It would have been nice if we had known to do that before we had built all the bays and the reconditioning facilities," Sharp sighs.

Forbes

Huston gave him a sharp glance, then sighed and put his long legs up on the desk.

The New Yorker

Then, with a deep sigh, he stepped into the cougar-infested wilderness with nothing more than a sharp knife.

The New York Times - Travel

A sharp whistle.

The New York Times

Use a sharp razor.

WikiHow

Use a sharp knife.

WikiHow

Grab a sharp knife.

WikiHow

Find a sharp object.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp sigh" to depict a character's immediate reaction to a frustrating or disappointing situation. This phrase is effective for conveying a sense of sudden, often exasperated, emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp sigh" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your descriptions of emotional expression to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

Descriptive phrase. "A sharp sigh" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase used to vividly depict a character's emotional state through an audible expression. Ludwig provides examples from sources such as The New Yorker, illustrating its use in conveying immediate reactions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp sigh" is a descriptive phrase used to depict a sudden, audible exhalation expressing emotions like frustration or relief. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its usage is relatively rare, it's primarily found in news and media contexts, making it suitable for descriptive narrative writing. For alternative expressions, you might consider phrases like "a quick exhalation" or "a frustrated sigh", depending on the specific emotional nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain its impact and vary your descriptions of emotional expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frustrated sigh

Explicitly states the feeling of frustration behind the sigh, adding emotional context.

an audible sigh

Highlights that the sigh can be heard, clarifying its presence and audibility.

a relieved sigh

Specifies the emotion behind the sigh as relief, making the feeling explicit.

a heavy exhalation

Replaces "sharp" with "heavy", altering the tone from suddenness to one of burden or weariness.

a drawn-out sigh

Emphasizes the prolonged nature of the sigh, suggesting prolonged or lingering emotions.

a quick exhalation

Focuses on the act of breathing out quickly, replacing the emotional connotation of "sigh" with a more neutral term.

a stifled sigh

Suggests an attempt to suppress the sigh, implying a struggle to contain emotion.

a sudden gasp

Emphasizes a sudden intake of breath, contrasting with the exhalation of a sigh but sharing a sense of surprise or emotion.

a soft sigh

Contrasts with "sharp" by using "soft", indicating a gentler, less abrupt expression of feeling.

a whispered sigh

Indicates a quiet, almost inaudible sigh, emphasizing subtlety and privacy.

FAQs

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

Use "a sharp sigh" to describe a character's audible expression of frustration, disappointment, or relief. For example, "Upon seeing the daunting task ahead, she let out "a sharp sigh"".

What emotions does "a sharp sigh" typically convey?

"A sharp sigh" often implies feelings of frustration, exasperation, or sudden relief. The sharpness suggests a quick, almost involuntary expression of these emotions.

What are some alternatives to using "a sharp sigh" in my writing?

You could use phrases like "a quick exhalation", "a heavy exhalation", or "a frustrated sigh", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

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

While "a sharp sigh" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suited for narrative or descriptive writing where emotional expression is key. In formal writing, consider more neutral or precise language to describe the situation.