a sharp turn of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp turn of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden change in direction, opinion, or situation. Example: "The project took a sharp turn of events when the main investor pulled out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

At times, silences and pauses onstage are as lovely to hear as a beautifully constructed monologue or a sharp turn of phrase.

The New Yorker

Burgess is a big, round-shouldered player who looks clumsy but he surprises defences with delicate flicks and a sharp turn of speed.

The Guardian - Sport

However, I seem to have complied with Porter's definition of a good protest anthem – a sharp turn of phrase and a good chorus that you can yell at the top of your voice.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his letter to Senator Ribi coff, Mr. Nader said at least one production‐model 1963 Cor vair without special equipment had rolled over in those tests at 28 miles an hour when taken into a "simple J‐turn". This is a sharp turn of more than 90 degrees to either the right or left.

The New York Times

It is a sharp turn of events for the man who took over the top job at the company 18 years ago, dusted off a fading brand and turned Disney into one of the world's most respected names and himself into a Wall Street star.

The New York Times

At the end of the eighties, the independent works of Brenier, Cullen and Mather announced a sharp turn of the theory, with renewed interest by the analysts.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The guard, who insisted that he not be identified, said he was standing near the outlet ramp of the parking lot when the truck made a sharp turn off of Haile Selassie Avenue and into the parking lot, moving fast.

The New York Times

Portugal's best chance fell to Gonçalo Paciência, who shot straight at Carlgren after a sharp turn on the edge of the area.

The Guardian - Sport

They began the second half promisingly, with Marlon Harewood blazing over after a sharp turn on the edge of the box.

BBC

The fourth episode, which aired Sunday night, takes a sharp turn out of ominous dread and into druggy madness, but even if the final episodes can't justify this turn, we're at least given the rush of a wild, six-minute tracking shot (which the spoiler-averse should skip).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Since then, he has taken a sharp turn to the left, in pursuit of "21st-century socialism".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sharp turn of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing direction, such as policy, events, or ideas. For example, 'The company's strategy took a sharp turn of focus towards sustainability'.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp turn of" without specifying what is turning. For instance, instead of saying 'There was a sharp turn of events', specify 'The investigation took a sharp turn of events when new evidence surfaced'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp turn of" typically functions as a noun phrase functioning as a modifier or part of a prepositional phrase. It describes a sudden and decisive change or alteration. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp turn of" is grammatically correct and used to describe a sudden and decisive change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-regarded for its grammatical correctness and adaptability. While examples are not very common, the phrase appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a professional to neutral register. Related phrases include "a sudden shift in" and "a drastic alteration of". When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject of the turn is clearly defined to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden shift in

Emphasizes the abruptness of the change.

an abrupt change to

Highlights the unexpected nature of the alteration.

a drastic alteration of

Indicates a significant and forceful modification.

a marked deviation from

Focuses on the departure from a previous course or standard.

a radical departure from

Stresses the extreme nature of the change.

a complete reversal of

Indicates a turn to the opposite direction or policy.

a significant change in

Highlights the importance of the shift.

a distinct alteration of

Emphasizes the clarity and recognizability of the alteration.

a noteworthy modification to

Highlights the fact that the shift is important and worth paying attention to.

a surprising twist in

Conveys an element of unexpectedness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp turn of" to indicate a sudden change in direction, policy, or situation. For example, "The plot took "a sharp turn of" events when the detective uncovered a hidden motive".

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

Alternatives include "a sudden shift in", "an abrupt change to", or "a drastic alteration of", depending on the context.

Is "a sharp turn of events" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "a sharp turn of events" is not as frequently used as alternatives like "a sudden turn of events". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a sharp turn of events" and "a sudden turn of events"?

"Sharp" emphasizes the decisiveness and clarity of the change, while "sudden" highlights the unexpectedness. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.