it will sharpen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will sharpen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the improvement or enhancement of a skill, tool, or understanding over time. Example: "With practice, it will sharpen your analytical skills and make you a better problem solver."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It will sharpen us".

The New York Times - Sports

"This crisis is forcing everyone to reflect on those shortcomings, and it will sharpen people's critical sense".

The New York Times

The O2 deal would then set the stage for even more consolidation.If the Telefónica-O2 deal goes through, it will sharpen competition in the mobile market.

The Economist

Tesla's price point in the US – of about US$3,000 ($4,173) – would be competitive here, it will sharpen up the players to make more efficient and higher-performing systems".

The Guardian

If you're making regular contributions it will sharpen your writing tone, buff up your vocabulary and give you the confidence to write in any style – from a live blog of the latest arrivals at the local zoo to a principled polemic on world politics.

The Guardian

Dr. Lisa V. Rubinstein, president of the Society of General Internal Medicine, said that sharing in decision-making "will help raise the quality of care given by any clinician, because it will sharpen the focus on the key decision points and help the clinician put a plan in place that the patient understands and agrees with".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Using this in conjunction with the timer/alarm and Post-it notes will sharpen your focus, and in turn assure you get more done in a single session than you would otherwise.

WikiHow

It will evolve as values shift and its precision will sharpen as knowledge of the mind and behavior and evidence about the efficacy of treatment continue to grow.

BMC Psychiatry

If he gets good advice, Corbyn will sharpen it a bit in future – using the guest question as an introduction, but following it up with more pressing queries.

The Guardian - Opinion

South of it, the fiscal squeeze will sharpen resentment of the subsidy Scotland receives from the exchequer.

The Economist

"Intuit will sharpen its focus on directly serving consumers and small businesses, and continuing to build our durable competitive advantage in those segments".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will sharpen" when you want to convey that something will improve a skill, understanding, or process over time.

Common error

Avoid using "it will sharpen" excessively in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in informal settings. Opt for more natural alternatives like "it'll help" or "it'll make better."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will sharpen" functions as a verb phrase indicating a future action of improving or refining something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts related to skills, debates, and focus, aligning with the phrase's core meaning of enhancement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it will sharpen" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for indicating future improvement or refinement. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions as a verb phrase and is often used in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it is not overly common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency, its use conveys a sense of positive development. For alternative phrasings, consider using "it will enhance" or "it will improve", depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid overusing "it will sharpen" in informal settings, as it may sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will enhance

This alternative focuses on making something better or greater.

it will refine

This suggests a process of purification and improvement.

it will improve

This is a general term for making something better.

it will hone

This emphasizes the process of perfecting a skill or ability.

it will intensify

This highlights the strengthening or increasing of something.

it will heighten

This focuses on increasing the level or degree of something.

it will amplify

This suggests an increase in magnitude or effect.

it will focus

This refers to concentrating attention or effort on a specific area.

it will galvanize

This suggests stirring someone into action or awareness.

it will stimulate

This emphasizes the act of encouraging activity or development.

FAQs

How can I use "it will sharpen" in a sentence?

You can use "it will sharpen" to indicate that something will improve or refine a particular skill, ability, or understanding. For example, "Practice "it will sharpen" your focus."

What are some alternatives to "it will sharpen"?

Alternatives to "it will sharpen" include phrases like "it will enhance", "it will improve", or "it will refine" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it will sharpen" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "it will sharpen" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the context and ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing.

How does "it will sharpen" differ from "it will enhance"?

"It will sharpen" suggests a more focused and precise improvement, like honing a blade. Whereas "it will enhance" implies a broader and more general improvement.