continue to sharpen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to sharpen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of improving or refining a skill, idea, or tool over time. Example: "As a writer, I strive to continue to sharpen my craft by reading widely and practicing daily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Editors could continue to sharpen the journalistic quality and integrity of their newspaper.

Harvard Business Review

Psychological discoveries continue to sharpen and refine our understanding of human suffering and of the human condition more broadly.

The Washington Post

Top advisers to Mrs. Bachmann said she would continue to sharpen her critique of "Newt Romney," casting both rivals as conservatives of convenience.

The New York Times

Though enemies will continue to sharpen their stakes for him, the writer has found his way back into a not-so-secret garden of fictional delights.

Independent

"As we continue to sharpen our long-term growth focus on international expansion and improving our US brand positions in KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, Long John Silver's and A&W no longer fit our long-term growth strategy," David C. Novak, Yum's chief executive, said in a statement.

The New York Times

So, how can you continue to sharpen your brain with a few simple daily hacks?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The internal opposition has not gone so far but may be pushed in that direction if the situation continues to sharpen.

The Guardian - Opinion

From the Kraft press release: "We're continuing to sharpen our focus on core categories that enable us to benefit from our scale and maintain sustainable competitive advantage," said Dave Johnson, President, Kraft North America Commercial.

The New York Times

The campaigns are loosely organised, he explains, and the tree fiasco highlights a disturbing trend of increasingly brazen profiteering by local party officials.Moreover, Vietnam's information ministry is continuing to sharpen its censorship laws by rolling out "circulars" detailing how authorities should interpret the vague edicts on its statute books.

The Economist

Consumer confidence is showing signs of slipping; business investment is lagging; the housing market is in a funk; the stock market has been wobbly, and firms large and small are complaining about the impact of tariffs, as trading pain in farm states continues to sharpen.

The Washington Post

They create future leaders by continuing to sharpen the tools in their toolbox along with applying their inborn talents.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to sharpen" when you want to emphasize the ongoing and iterative nature of improving a skill, strategy, or tool. This phrase suggests a deliberate and persistent effort toward refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to sharpen" when describing a static state or an action that isn't meant to be iterative. For example, instead of saying "continue to sharpen the already sharpened blade," opt for "maintain the sharpness of the blade" or "preserve the blade's edge."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to sharpen" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing action of improving or refining something. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from skills to strategies, highlighting the iterative nature of the process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to sharpen" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the ongoing process of improving or refining something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when emphasizing the iterative nature of improvement and avoid using it in static contexts. Alternatives such as "keep refining" and "persist in honing" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember, clear and continuous effort leads to sustained development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistently refine

Highlights the regularity and consistency of the refinement.

keep perfecting

Focuses on continuously reaching perfection.

keep refining

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the refinement process.

persist in honing

Highlights the sustained effort in perfecting something.

progressively enhance

Emphasizes the gradual but continuous improvement.

keep improving

Focuses on the sustained enhancement of a skill or process.

sustain improvement

Highlights the act of making improvement sustainable.

further develop

Stresses the advancing nature of development.

maintain focus

Shifts the emphasis to maintaining a specific direction or objective.

steadily advance

Indicates consistent forward movement and progress.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to sharpen" in a sentence?

You can use "continue to sharpen" to describe ongoing improvement. For example: "We must "continue to sharpen" our skills to stay competitive."

What are some alternatives to "continue to sharpen"?

Alternatives include "keep refining", "persist in honing", or "consistently refine", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "continues to sharpen"?

Yes, "continues to sharpen" is grammatically correct and can be used when the subject is singular. For example, "The company continues to sharpen its focus on customer service."

What's the difference between "continue to sharpen" and "sharpen"?

"Sharpen" refers to the act of making something sharper or more focused, while "continue to sharpen" implies an ongoing process of refinement. It highlights the sustained effort to improve something over time.