he is sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "he is sharp" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a simple statement that describes someone as intelligent, quick-witted or mentally alert. Example: "Despite his young age, John proved himself to be sharp and capable during the company's intense negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He is sharp and on point.

The Economist

He is sharp, funny, confident.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is sharp and often witty on the stump.

The Economist

This week was the first week he is sharp again.

The Guardian - Sport

He is "sharp as a tack," Gidley said.

The Washington Post

"He is young, he is sharp, he is aggressive".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

He is sharp-witted but cannot make her euro policies his main line of attack.

The Economist

"He's sharp.

The New York Times - Arts

"And he's sharp as a tack.

The New York Times - Sports

He was sharp and shrewd.

The Guardian - Film

He was sharp, energetic, and direct.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: While generally positive, "sharp" can sometimes imply a critical or cutting demeanor. Ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "he is sharp" in every instance where intelligence is implied. Over-reliance on the word "sharp" can make your writing sound repetitive and lack depth. Expand your descriptive vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is sharp" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality of intelligence or mental acuity to a male subject. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Sport

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is sharp" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone as intelligent, quick-witted, or mentally alert. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media, indicating a generally neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended tone and explore synonyms to add nuance to your writing. Alternatives include phrases like "he is astute", "he is intelligent" or "he is quick-witted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is astute

Replaces "sharp" with a synonym that emphasizes cleverness and perceptiveness.

he is quick-witted

Highlights the speed and intelligence of his responses.

he is astute and perceptive

Combines two adjectives to emphasize his intelligence and insights.

he is clever

A simple synonym emphasizing his intelligence.

he is intelligent

Directly states his intelligence.

he is perceptive

Focuses on his ability to understand things clearly.

he is on the ball

An idiomatic expression indicating he is alert and competent.

he is mentally agile

Emphasizes his mental quickness and adaptability.

he is razor-sharp

Intensifies the "sharp" metaphor, stressing acuity.

he is very clever

Adds emphasis to the statement that he is clever.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he is sharp"?

When someone says "he is sharp", it generally means that the person is intelligent, quick-witted, and mentally alert. The expression indicates that the individual possesses a keen intellect and is perceptive.

What can I say instead of "he is sharp"?

You can use alternatives like "he is astute", "he is intelligent", or "he is quick-witted" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "he is sharp" in formal writing?

Yes, "he is sharp" is generally appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing someone's intellectual capabilities or competence. However, consider the specific tone and context to ensure it aligns with your intent.

How can I use "he is sharp" in a sentence?

You can use "he is sharp" to describe someone's mental acuity. For instance, "Despite his inexperience, he is sharp and quickly grasps complex concepts." or "The CEO knew "he was sharp" enough to lead the company through a difficult transition".