look sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look sharp" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an instruction to someone to pay attention or to be alert. For example, you could say "Look sharp, the boss is coming!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Management: Looking Sharp These YouTube videos will teach you how to look sharp.

The New York Times

Fix up, look sharp!

Independent

" 'Look Sharp!' " a man yelled.

The New Yorker

People here look sharp.

The New York Times

The eyes still look sharp.

The Guardian - Sport

Stricker's short game didn't look sharp either.

The New York Times - Sports

Which makes a fusty play look sharp.

The Guardian

Come on, you lot, look sharp.

The Guardian

("I like it to look sharp").

The Guardian - Sport

They look sharp and stoic, natty and imperious.

The Guardian - Arts

Get going," he said to Bert, "look sharp".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look sharp" when you want someone to be alert and ready for something important. For example, say "Look sharp, the presentation is about to start."

Common error

Avoid using "look sharp" when you simply mean someone should look nice, as the phrase often implies a need for alertness or readiness, not just good appearance. Instead, say "look good" or "look nice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look sharp" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to be alert, attentive, or well-dressed. Ludwig examples show it used both for expecting imminent action and for sartorial expectations, which aligns with Ludwig AI mentioning its use as an instruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look sharp" is a versatile expression used to convey the need for alertness, attentiveness, or a well-groomed appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its application in News & Media, Wiki and Business spheres, indicating a predominantly informal to neutral register. To ensure effective communication, it's crucial to use "look sharp" appropriately, considering the specific context and intended meaning. Remember, while it can refer to both appearance and alertness, avoid using it when you simply mean someone should "look good". Instead, reserve it for situations where preparedness or making a strong impression is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be alert

Focuses on the state of being watchful and ready.

pay attention

Highlights the act of focusing one's awareness.

be on the ball

Implies being competent and attentive.

be quick

Emphasizes speed and promptness.

step on it

An informal way to urge someone to hurry.

get a move on

Similar to 'step on it', but slightly more polite.

look presentable

Refers specifically to appearing neat and well-dressed.

smarten up

Suggests improving one's appearance or behavior.

look your best

Emphasizes the importance of making a good impression through appearance.

get your act together

Implies organizing oneself and being prepared.

FAQs

How can I use "look sharp" in a sentence?

You can use "look sharp" to tell someone to be alert and pay attention, as in, "Look sharp, the boss is coming!" or to dress well, as in, "Look sharp for the interview".

What's a more formal way to say "look sharp"?

While "look sharp" is generally informal, you could use "be vigilant" or "be attentive" to convey a similar meaning in a more formal context. For dressing well, consider "dress impeccably".

Is "look sharp" only used for appearance?

No, "look sharp" can refer to both appearance and alertness. In the context of alertness, it means to be watchful and ready. In the context of appearance, it means to be well-dressed and presentable.

What can I say instead of "look sharp" when referring to someone's appearance?

If you're referring to someone's appearance, you could say "look good", "look stylish", or "look dapper" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.