as sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as sharp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are comparing the sharpness of something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as intelligence or wit. Example: "Her mind is as sharp as a tack, always ready to solve complex problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wasn't as sharp.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything was as sharp as a knife.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is as sharp as a tack.

The New Yorker

"It just wasn't as sharp.

The New York Times

"She was as sharp as a tack.

The New York Times

Others were as sharp as nails.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His mentor, David S. Broder, was as sharp as ever.

The Washington Post

Against a team as sharp as the Germans, that's fatal.

The New York Times

Some parts recall "The Office" without being as sharp.

The New York Times

It bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn.

Independent

And my hearing isn't as sharp as it once was.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as sharp" in a sentence, ensure the comparison is clear and relatable. For example, "as sharp as a tack" is easily understood, while a less common comparison might require additional context.

Common error

Avoid using "as sharp" with abstract nouns that cannot logically possess sharpness. For example, saying "his love was as sharp as a knife" doesn't create a meaningful comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sharp" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe the degree to which something possesses the quality of sharpness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it draws a comparison, indicating that something is just as keen or acute as something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Books

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as sharp" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase, often used to describe a high degree of keenness, intelligence, or physical sharpness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent use across diverse contexts, especially in news media and sports reporting. To ensure clarity, make the comparison directly relatable and avoid using it with abstract nouns. Alternatives like "as keen" or "as acute" can provide nuance. When employing "as sharp", consider both the literal and metaphorical dimensions to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as keen

Focuses more specifically on mental acuity or eagerness.

as acute

Emphasizes the intensity and precision of something.

as incisive

Highlights the penetrating or cutting quality of something, often in a figurative sense.

as perceptive

Specifically relates to understanding or insight.

as quick-witted

Refers to someone's ability to think or respond quickly and cleverly.

as intelligent

A general term for mental capacity.

as pointy

Implies a physical attribute of having a sharp point.

as cutting

Emphasizes the capacity to wound or divide.

as abrupt

Focuses on suddenness or unexpectedness.

as pronounced

Highlights how something is very noticeable or distinct.

FAQs

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

You can use "as sharp" to compare the keenness or acuity of something. For example, "Her wit was "as sharp as a razor"" or "His memory is "as sharp as ever"".

What can I say instead of "as sharp"?

You can use alternatives like "as keen", "as acute", or "as incisive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as sharply" instead of "as sharp"?

While "as sharply" is grammatically correct, it modifies verbs or adverbs, describing how something is done, while "as sharp" modifies nouns, describing a quality. Therefore, they aren't interchangeable.

What's the difference between "as sharp as a tack" and "as sharp as a knife"?

Both phrases describe something very keen or intelligent, but "as sharp as a tack" is more commonly used to describe someone's wit or intelligence, while "as sharp as a knife" can refer to both physical sharpness and metaphorical sharpness in personality or strategy.