pretty sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty sharp" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is intelligent or quick-witted. Example: "She has a pretty sharp mind for solving complex problems." Alternative expressions include "quite clever" and "fairly astute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Orlando looked pretty sharp".

The New York Times

She is 86 and pretty sharp.

The New York Times

We had some pretty sharp teachers".

The New Yorker

The Chinese Communist party is pretty sharp".

The Guardian

"He was pretty alert, pretty sharp.

The New York Times

"Mark Foster always looks pretty sharp too".

The Guardian - Sport

It looks pretty sharp on the phone display.

The Guardian - Tech

"Barbara is a pretty sharp girl," he once said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the market is pretty sharp these days.

The Guardian - Sport

The Reggae Boyz, meanwhile, look pretty sharp too in their solid yellow shirts and black shorts.

The New York Times

He's back today with a homophonic, antonymic puzzle that is pretty sharp.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty sharp" to describe someone's intelligence or appearance in informal contexts. For example, "She's a pretty sharp lawyer" or "He looked pretty sharp in his new suit."

Common error

Avoid using "pretty sharp" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary like "astute", "perceptive", or "intelligent" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty sharp" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing its qualities. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys a sense of intelligence, alertness, or stylishness. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, ranging from describing a person's wit to the appearance of an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty sharp" is a common and generally correct adjective phrase used to describe something or someone as intelligent, stylish, or quick-witted. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is acceptable in various contexts, primarily in news and media, leaning towards a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it should be used cautiously in formal or academic writing, opting for more sophisticated alternatives like "astute" or "perceptive" in those settings. The numerous examples highlight its flexibility in expressing approval or admiration across diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite intelligent

Emphasizes the intellectual aspect more directly.

very astute

Highlights a keen understanding and awareness.

fairly clever

Suggests a degree of ingenuity and wit.

rather bright

Focuses on mental quickness and intelligence.

remarkably perceptive

Emphasizes the ability to notice and understand things others might miss.

impressively sharp-witted

Specifically highlights quick and clever responses.

exceptionally keen

Implies enthusiasm and eagerness, in addition to sharpness.

looking stylish

Shifts the focus to appearance rather than intelligence.

responding quickly

Emphasizes speed and efficiency in reaction.

acting decisively

Highlights the ability to make quick and firm decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty sharp" to describe someone who is intelligent or something that looks good. For example, "She's a pretty sharp negotiator", or "That new car looks pretty sharp".

What are some alternatives to "pretty sharp"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "quite intelligent", "very astute", or "looking stylish".

Is "pretty sharp" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pretty sharp" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives.

What does it mean when someone says something is "pretty sharp"?

It generally means that something is either intelligent and insightful, or that something looks good and stylish.