it sharpens

USAGE SUMMARY

'it sharpens' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something becoming sharper or more focused. For example, "I like to write in the morning because it sharpens my thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Elsewhere, however, there are signs that a wider range of companies are increasingly interested in outdoor advertising as it sharpens its appearance and goes high-tech.

The New York Times

As part of a restructuring, Dell intends to slash more than $2bn in costs over the next three years, primarily from the supply chain and sales group, as it sharpens its focus on the technology needs of corporations.

The Guardian - Tech

It sharpens one's appetite for life even at its darkest".

The New York Times - Books

Yet its texture is unsettled enough to be intriguing, and it sharpens into focus with a display of magazine pages on which the artist has drawn turnstiles and revolving doors so that every image -- Prada models, a picturesque mosque, a battle scene -- is about detainment and restriction, an apposite idea delivered with a light, clean touch.

The New York Times - Arts

It sharpens you.

The New York Times - Sports

But, in fact, it sharpens and clarifies the study's meaning.

The New Yorker

It sharpens our pencils and makes us better business people".

The New York Times

"It varies, I always encourage being nervous, it sharpens the mind.

Independent

But above all else, it sharpens the divide between residents and visitors.

The New York Times

His attentiveness is so acute that it sharpens our senses, too.

The New Yorker

It sharpens you up not just physically but also in terms of attitude.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "refines" or "hones" if you want to emphasize the process of improvement rather than simply making something sharper.

Common error

Avoid using "it sharpens" in contexts where a more literal verb is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The cold air sharpens my senses" consider "The cold air heightens my senses" or "The cold air invigorates me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sharpens" functions as a verb phrase where "it" is a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned noun, and "sharpens" is a verb indicating an action of improving, refining, or intensifying something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sharpens" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of improvement, refinement, or intensification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used in written English. The phrase frequently appears in news and media sources, highlighting its relevance across various topics. While alternatives like "it refines" or "it hones" may offer a more nuanced meaning in specific contexts, "it sharpens" remains a strong and effective choice for expressing the idea of enhancement. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sharpens the focus

This is a more verbose equivalent, explicitly mentioning the focus that is being sharpened.

it refines

This alternative focuses on the idea of removing imperfections or unwanted elements to improve something.

it hones

This phrase suggests a process of gradual improvement, often through repeated practice or refinement.

it enhances

This alternative broadens the scope to include any form of improvement, not necessarily related to sharpness or focus.

it clarifies

This focuses on making something easier to understand or more distinct.

it intensifies

This alternative suggests increasing the strength or degree of something.

it focuses

This phrase directly addresses the act of bringing something into a clearer or more defined state.

it heightens

This implies an increase in intensity or degree, often in terms of sensory perception or emotional experience.

it amplifies

This suggests increasing the magnitude or effect of something.

it brings into focus

This alternative emphasizes the process of making something clear and distinct.

FAQs

How can I use "it sharpens" in a sentence?

"It sharpens" is used to describe how something enhances or refines a particular quality or skill. For example, "Competition "it sharpens" our focus on innovation" or "The pressure "it sharpens" his resolve".

What can I say instead of "it sharpens"?

You can use alternatives like "it refines", "it hones", or "it clarifies" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it sharpens the mind"?

Yes, "it sharpens the mind" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It suggests that something enhances cognitive abilities or mental acuity. For example, learning a new language "it sharpens" the mind.

What's the difference between "it sharpens" and "it enhances"?

"It sharpens" implies a focusing or refining of something, while "it enhances" suggests a broader improvement or augmentation. For example, "Debate "it sharpens" critical thinking", while "Exercise it enhances overall health".