is quite sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is quite sharp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very clear, intelligent, or perceptive, often in reference to a person's mind or a specific observation. Example: "Her analysis of the situation is quite sharp, revealing insights that others have overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It met with horror at first, but the new design is quite sharp, albeit in a different aesthetic league to the city crest.

The Guardian - Sport

But as helpless as some might imagine her to be, Ms. Alonso is quite sharp with what seems to be a selective understanding of English depending on the question.

The New York Times - Arts

Like these, Scent Of A Dream is chic, pretty strong and long-lasting, but the fragrance itself is quite sharp and daytime – ideal for me, but possibly too low-key for some (pleasingly, it reminds me of the fragrances worn by my mum and stepfather in the 1970s).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have seen that the distinction between strict Evidentialism and moderate Evidentialism is quite sharp.

SEP

The handling is quite sharp and the ride is nicely balanced even New York's potholes didn't upset it.

Forbes

"The decline after 2006 is quite sharp," explained Dr Cristina Surdu from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In China, that shift has been quite sharp.

The New York Times

I was quite sharp and inclined to be a bit naughty".

The Guardian - Sport

The still-life photos, however, were quite sharp, if a little washed-out in auto mode.

The New York Times - Tech

A lot of people at 50, 60, 70 or 80 are quite sharp.

The New York Times - Health

But a recent test by a reporter suggested that pressure changes registered only if they were quite sharp and sustained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is quite sharp" to describe observations, designs, or skills that are impressively acute or well-executed. It conveys a sense of keenness and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "is quite sharp" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in such settings. Instead, opt for more relaxed expressions like 'is pretty good' or 'is really clever'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is quite sharp" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a quality of keenness, acuity, or effectiveness. It indicates that something possesses a notable degree of sharpness, whether literal (as in an edge) or figurative (as in intellect or perception). Ludwig shows examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is quite sharp" is a versatile expression used to convey that something possesses a notable degree of keenness, acuity, or effectiveness. As Ludwig shows, it appears in a variety of contexts, from describing intellectual ability to physical attributes, and is grammatically sound. While acceptable across various registers, it tends to be more prevalent in neutral to professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is appropriate and usable in written English. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, opting for phrases like "is remarkably keen" or "is exceptionally astute" to emphasize specific aspects of sharpness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is remarkably keen

Replaces 'quite sharp' with 'remarkably keen' emphasizing a noticeable level of insight or intellect.

is exceptionally astute

Uses 'exceptionally astute' to highlight a high degree of cleverness and perceptiveness.

is notably acute

Substitutes with 'notably acute', stressing the keenness and perceptiveness in observation or understanding.

is strikingly intelligent

Employs 'strikingly intelligent' to underscore the impressive level of intellect.

is particularly perceptive

Replaces with 'particularly perceptive', focusing on the ability to understand and interpret things accurately.

is impressively incisive

Uses 'impressively incisive' to convey the depth and clarity of analysis or understanding.

is extraordinarily clever

Substitutes with 'extraordinarily clever', highlighting exceptional intelligence and ingenuity.

is distinctly insightful

Employs 'distinctly insightful' to emphasize a clear and deep understanding of complex issues.

is considerably discerning

Replaces with 'considerably discerning', stressing the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

is remarkably perceptive

Changes wording to 'remarkably perceptive' stressing noticeable insightfulness.

FAQs

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

You can use "is quite sharp" to describe something that is keenly effective or highly perceptive. For example, "Her analysis of the situation "is quite sharp", revealing insights that others missed."

What are some alternatives to saying "is quite sharp"?

Alternatives include "is remarkably keen", "is exceptionally astute", or "is notably acute", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is quite sharp" or "is very sharp"?

Both "is quite sharp" and "is very sharp" are grammatically correct, but "is quite sharp" often implies a more sophisticated or refined quality. The choice depends on the context and the level of formality desired.

In what contexts should I avoid using "is quite sharp"?

While versatile, "is quite sharp" may sound out of place in very informal settings. In casual conversations, consider using simpler alternatives like "is pretty good" or "is really clever".