a sharp surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp surface" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a physical surface that has a sharp edge or point, such as a razor blade or a piece of broken glass. For example: "Be careful not to step on the broken glass, as the sharp surface could cut your skin."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The nucleation event is identified with the formation of a sharp surface crack, whose subsequent growth obeys the laws of fracture mechanics.

Acta Materialia

aNote that even for a sharp surface feature the SPM images would be smoothened due to tip convolution, that is, the sharp surface feature would "see" the curvature of the tip.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This system developed about 110 km south of Marcus Island near the merger of the monsoon trough and a sharp surface trough brought into the region by Susan.

Wikipedia

Trauma could occur during injections of local anesthetic in the mouth, or otherwise during dental treatments, frictional trauma from a sharp surface in the mouth such as broken tooth, or from tooth brushing.

Wikipedia

A cold front's location is at the leading edge of the temperature drop-off, which in an isotherm analysis shows up as the leading edge of the isotherm gradient, and it normally lies within a sharp surface trough.

Wikipedia

A cold front is located at the leading edge of the temperature drop off, which in an isotherm analysis shows up as the leading edge of the isotherm gradient, and it normally lies within a sharp surface trough.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is lateral movement that produces the great majority of risk of cutting from any sharp surfaces.

WikiHow

The presence of strong electron electron interactions prevents the formation of a sharp Fermi surface as would be conventionally expected in a regular bulk metal.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The bony core of the beak may have been sheathed in keratin to provide a sharp cutting surface for cropping plant material.

Wikipedia

Taps are made of hardened steel, which provides long life and a sharp cutting surface; however, this also makes them brittle.

WikiHow

We find that the sharp surface tension method yields an abrupt pressure jump across the interface, whereas the continuous surface tension method results in a smoother transition.

Journal of Computational Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "a sharp surface" to clearly indicate a potential hazard or a functional feature designed for cutting or piercing.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp surface" metaphorically when describing non-physical attributes, as it can lead to confusion. Instead, use more appropriate adjectives like 'distinct' or 'pronounced'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp surface" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where 'sharp' modifies 'surface'. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, describing a physical surface with a keen edge or point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

62%

Wiki

23%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sharp surface" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, denoting a surface with a potentially hazardous or functional sharp edge. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in science, wikis, and news media. When writing, use it to clearly describe physical objects with cutting or piercing potential and be cautious of overuse in abstract contexts. Consider semantically similar alternatives like "a keen edge" or "a razor edge" for nuanced descriptions. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a razor edge

Compares the sharpness to that of a razor.

a keen edge

Focuses on the sharpness of an edge rather than the entire surface.

a cutting edge

Emphasizes the surface's capability to cut.

a pointed top

Specifies a sharp feature that is at the uppermost part of something.

a precise edge

Focuses on the accuracy and sharpness of an edge.

an acute angle

Describes the sharpness in terms of an angular measurement.

a honed blade

Emphasizes the deliberate process of making a blade sharp.

a fine point

Highlights the smallness and sharpness of the terminal.

a severe gradient

Refers to a steep or abrupt change in the surface.

an abrupt face

Highlights a sudden, sharp change in elevation of the surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp surface" to describe objects with a pointed or cutting edge, such as "The broken glass has "a sharp surface" that could cause injury."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp surface"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a keen edge", "a razor edge", or "a cutting edge".

Is it correct to say "a sharp surface" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "a sharp surface" is grammatically correct and widely used. However, you might consider alternatives like "a pointed edge" or "a fine point" if they better fit the specific context.

What's the difference between "a sharp surface" and "a rough surface"?

"A sharp surface" implies an edge or point that can cut or pierce, while "a rough surface" refers to an uneven texture that is not smooth. They describe different physical characteristics.