not as sharp as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as sharp as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the sharpness or clarity of two things, often in a metaphorical sense, such as intelligence or wit. Example: "Her argument was not as sharp as his, lacking the necessary evidence to support her claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet the service is not as sharp as the look.

The New York Times

But the dialogue here is not as sharp as usual.

The New York Times - Books

But obviously he's not as sharp as he can be".

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the decline was not as sharp as feared.

The New York Times

"It's just not as sharp as it was," Mussina said.

The New York Times - Sports

The service crew is not as sharp as the look.

The New York Times

All-round game not as sharp as in Berlin.

The Guardian - Sport

Members of the serving crew are not as sharp as their snappy weskits.

The New York Times

Her mind and her memory are not as sharp as her wit and her tongue.

The New York Times

The easy analysis is that Rodgers was clearly not as sharp as usual.

The New York Times - Sports

Andrew Luck was not as sharp as usual, especially early in the game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "not as sharp as", ensure that the comparison is clear and specific. Provide context to clarify what aspect of 'sharpness' you are referring to, such as intellect, visual clarity, or wit.

Common error

Avoid using "not as sharp as" without providing enough context. The comparison can become vague if the reader doesn't understand what is being compared and why it matters. Always clarify the point of comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as sharp as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, primarily used to indicate that one thing possesses a lesser degree of sharpness, keenness, or clarity than another. Ludwig highlights this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not as sharp as" is a versatile comparative used to express that something lacks the keenness, clarity, or intensity of something else. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "less keen than" and "not as incisive as", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. To effectively use this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and specific, clarifying what aspect of "sharpness" is being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as incisive as

Stresses the penetrating quality of an argument or thought.

not quite as acute as

Emphasizes the precision or keenness of perception.

less keen than

Focuses on the level of enthusiasm or eagerness rather than the sharpness.

doesn't have the edge of

Focuses on having a distinct advantage or intensity.

not so pointed as

Highlights the directness or incisiveness of something.

not as refined as

Suggests a lack of sophistication or polish.

weaker compared to

Focuses on a lack of strength or intensity.

paler in comparison to

Indicates a weaker or less vivid quality when compared.

lacking the finesse of

Emphasizes the absence of skill or grace.

not as developed as

Highlights the maturity or advancement in development.

FAQs

How can I use "not as sharp as" in a sentence?

Use "not as sharp as" to compare the degree of sharpness between two subjects, for example, "His wit was "not as sharp as" hers during the debate".

What does "not as sharp as" mean?

The phrase "not as sharp as" means something lacks the same level of keenness, clarity, or intensity when compared to something else.

Which is correct, "not as sharp as" or "not so sharp as"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""not as sharp as"" is more commonly used in contemporary English.

What can I say instead of "not as sharp as"?

You can use alternatives like "less keen than", "not as incisive as", or "weaker compared to" depending on the context.