a sharp voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that is high-pitched, piercing, or has a cutting quality, often conveying strong emotions or commands. Example: "She called out to the children in a sharp voice, demanding their immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A sharp voice chimes in.

The New York Times - Arts

"So this is really the Samsa residence?" she said in a sharp voice.

The New Yorker

Then he called in a sharp voice "Right away!" The players raised their heads with a start & some of them looked around dazedly.

The New Yorker

The first lady rebuked Sullivan in such a sharp voice that she could be heard through a closed door, according to The Post's account.

The Washington Post

"Suddenly, a sharp voice echoed; I saw the men in the front rows falling — tens of men falling, it was as absurd as watching a Pif-Paf bug-spray advertisement, only for men.

The New Yorker

Help me down!" A sharp voice said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

(Pareles) SARAH HARMER (Wednesday) In the tradition of emotionally astute Canadian singer-songwriters, Sarah Harmer applies her sharp voice to bluegrass-tinged pop and wistful folk.

The New York Times

By contrast, Stern is a self-taught player who sings in a high, sharp voice, works largely inside a trio format, and tends toward surges of volume and chanting to punctuate her songs.

The New Yorker

Tell your pup in a firm and sharp voice that you will NOT tolerate this behavior.

WikiHow

Abigail is a punchy singer, her loud, sharp voice cleaving through everything around her: Lily's smoky simplicity, their neatly picked guitar work.

The New York Times - Arts

The creature with the horn and the red mop of hair was called Judith, and she had a sharp, poky voice and a harsh cackle for a laugh.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp voice" to vividly portray a character's emotions or assertiveness in dialogue. It's particularly effective when contrasting with a character's physical appearance or social standing.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp" as a catch-all adjective for voices. Consider the specific quality you want to convey, such as 'piercing', 'crisp', or 'cutting', to create a more precise and impactful description. Varying your vocabulary makes your writing more engaging and avoids monotony.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a sharp voice" is to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. The adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "voice", adding a descriptive quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sharp voice" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe a voice that is piercing, cutting, or high-pitched. Ludwig's analysis of various sources reveals that this phrase is most commonly found in journalistic and news contexts, as well as in wiki-based content. While Ludwig AI confirms the expression is usable and correct, it is advisable to consider alternatives like "a piercing voice" or "a cutting voice" for greater precision or impact. Understanding the contexts and implications of "a sharp voice" enables writers to effectively convey tone and character in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piercing voice

Focuses on the high-pitched, penetrating quality of the voice.

a strident voice

Emphasizes the harsh and grating nature of the voice.

a cutting voice

Highlights the voice's ability to wound or criticize.

a crisp voice

Suggests clarity and precision in the voice's delivery.

a commanding voice

Implies authority and control in the voice.

an acerbic tone

Shifts from the physical quality of the voice to its sarcastic or bitter inflection.

a severe tone

Focuses on the stern and uncompromising nature of the voice.

a high-pitched voice

Highlights the elevated frequency of the voice.

a shrill voice

Emphasizes the unpleasant, high-pitched quality of the voice.

an incisive voice

Highlights the voice's ability to cut through pretense or confusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp voice" to describe someone speaking in a way that is piercing or cutting, often indicating anger, authority, or urgency. For example: "The teacher stopped the classroom chatter with "a sharp voice".".

What are some alternatives to "a sharp voice"?

Alternatives include "a piercing voice", "a cutting voice", or "a strident voice". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

While "a sharp voice" is grammatically correct, consider the tone of your writing. In formal contexts, it might be more suitable to use a more neutral or descriptive phrase, unless the intention is to specifically highlight a harsh or critical tone.

What does "a sharp voice" typically imply about the speaker?

Typically, "a sharp voice" implies that the speaker is feeling strong emotions, such as anger or frustration, or that they are trying to exert authority. It can also suggest intelligence or wit, if used in a different context.