as sharp as

USAGE SUMMARY

"as sharp as" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to make a comparison between two things. For example, "Her wit was as sharp as a blade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything was as sharp as a knife.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is as sharp as a tack.

The New Yorker

"She was as sharp as a tack.

The New York Times

Others were as sharp as nails.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New York Times

Quite right, too, with an outfit as sharp as this.

Independent

It bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn.

Independent

"As sharp as any weapon can be," he said.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

The ascent was as sharp as the fall.

The New York Times

Mr. Dickstein's tongue could be as sharp as his pencil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as sharp as" avoid clichés. Instead of saying "as sharp as a tack" try to find a more creative comparison that's specific to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "as sharp as" when describing something that should not be sharp. For example, saying "His emotions were as sharp as knives" might not effectively convey the intended meaning of emotional pain or intensity; consider alternatives like "raw" or "intense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sharp as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to emphasize the degree to which something possesses a particular quality, such as intelligence, clarity, or physical sharpness. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase serves to create a vivid comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as sharp as" is a versatile comparative phrase used to emphasize the intensity or clarity of a subject by comparing it to something known for that quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news articles to casual conversations. When using this phrase, consider the specific quality you want to emphasize and choose a comparison that is both vivid and appropriate. Remember to avoid clichés and ensure the comparison aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as keen as

Emphasizes a similar level of eagerness or enthusiasm.

as insightful as

Highlights a similar level of understanding.

equally astute as

Highlights a comparable level of intelligence or discernment.

as perceptive as

Highlights a similar level of awareness.

every bit as pointed as

Focuses on the similar sharpness or directness of something.

as cutting as

Highlights a similar level of criticism.

no less acute than

Stresses that something is not any less severe or intense.

as quick-witted as

Highlights a similar level of cleverness.

comparably intelligent to

Highlights a similar level of intellectual ability.

as clever as

Highlights a similar level of ingenuity.

FAQs

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

Use "as sharp as" to compare the intensity or clarity of something to something else. For instance, "His wit was "as sharp as a knife"" or "Her memory is "as sharp as ever"".

What are some alternatives to "as sharp as"?

Alternatives include "equally astute as", "just as keen as", or "no less acute than" depending on the context and the specific quality you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as sharp as"?

Yes, "as sharp as" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase in English. It follows the standard "as + adjective + as" structure.

What does it mean when someone says something is "as sharp as a tack"?

Saying something is "as sharp as a tack" means it's very intelligent, quick-witted, or perceptive. It's an idiom that emphasizes mental acuity.