fast and sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fast and sharp" can be used in written English.
It is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used to describe something that is quick and precise. Example: The athlete's movements were fast and sharp, making it difficult for his opponent to keep up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Without much moisture, the ribbons burned fast and sharp.

The New York Times - Magazine

On "Curtains" he's merely declaiming clunkily, but on "Gunwalk" he's rapping fast and sharp.

The New York Times - Arts

"She is on a very fast and sharp trajectory in the House".

The New York Times

"It taught me to be fast and sharp, to look for synthesis in my images," Mr. Munita said.

The New York Times

In St . Louis Haddish had the most fun not when the audience showed her its love but when unexpected moments came at her fast and sharp, adding to what she had brought with her to work on.

The New Yorker

Fast and sharp, with a vibrantly colorful early sixties look and feel, Lover will keep you hooked.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It is the product of bad guys in fast cars and sharp outfits.

The New Yorker

A few are adjusting to their straitened circumstances, shedding staff and assets as quickly as their star traders once accumulated fast cars and sharp suits.

The Economist

"The Leica lenses are so special because they are smaller, faster and sharper".

The New York Times - Tech

So prime lenses are often faster and sharper than zooms, but also by definition less versatile.

The Guardian - Arts

The Porsche is not only faster and sharper-handling than the Rapide, but it is more practical, with a far roomier back seat and cargo hold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions or processes, use "fast and sharp" to emphasize both speed and precision for a stronger impact. For instance, "The surgeon's movements were "fast and sharp", ensuring a successful operation."

Common error

Avoid using "fast and sharp" in overly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language would be more appropriate. Instead of saying "The analysis was "fast and sharp"," consider "The analysis was efficient and insightful."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fast and sharp" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its qualities of being both quick and precise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fast and sharp" is a grammatically correct and functional phrase used to describe something that combines speed and precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression, although it is more frequently encountered in news and general contexts. While versatile, its usage should be carefully considered in more formal or academic writing, where more precise alternatives might be more appropriate. When it comes to describing actions with efficiency and accuracy, alternatives like ""quick and precise"" or ""rapid and keen"" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick and precise

Replaces "fast" with "quick" and "sharp" with "precise", maintaining the core meaning.

rapid and keen

Substitutes "fast" with "rapid" and "sharp" with "keen", emphasizing speed and eagerness.

swift and acute

Replaces "fast" with "swift" and "sharp" with "acute", highlighting speed and severity.

speedy and incisive

Substitutes "fast" with "speedy" and "sharp" with "incisive", focusing on velocity and directness.

brisk and crisp

Replaces "fast" with "brisk" and "sharp" with "crisp", suggesting liveliness and firmness.

prompt and distinct

Substitutes "fast" with "prompt" and "sharp" with "distinct", emphasizing immediacy and clearness.

fleet and piercing

Replaces "fast" with "fleet" and "sharp" with "piercing", indicating quickness and penetration.

expeditious and trenchant

Substitutes "fast" with "expeditious" and "sharp" with "trenchant", focusing on efficiency and vigor.

nimble and pointed

Replaces "fast" with "nimble" and "sharp" with "pointed", suggesting agility and focus.

zippy and cutting

Replaces "fast" with "zippy" and "sharp" with "cutting", emphasizing quickness and effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "fast and sharp" in a sentence?

Use "fast and sharp" to describe actions or qualities that are both quick and precise. For example, "Her response was "fast and sharp", showing her understanding of the issue."

What are some alternatives to "fast and sharp"?

Alternatives include "quick and precise", "rapid and keen", or "swift and acute" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fast and sharp" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "fast and sharp" may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more technical or precise language alternatives like "efficient and insightful".

What's the difference between "fast and sharp" and "quick and precise"?

While similar, "fast and sharp" emphasizes both speed and a cutting or incisive quality. "Quick and precise" focuses more on immediate action and accuracy, making it a slightly more neutral alternative.