sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a fine edge or point, or to indicate a quick or intelligent response. Example: "The knife is very sharp, making it easy to cut through the vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cover the sharp staple-edges with clear tape.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.18am ET16 18 This is rather sharp: You don't like a particular policy, or a particular president?

The Guardian

A special motion condemning the riots and supporting those on the sharp end of seven days of disorder was backed across the Stormont assembly floor.

The Guardian

That the party concerned is the Social Democratic Labour party (SDLP) throws into sharp relief that the de facto coalition of Irish nationalist forces has split.

The Guardian

The African Union and most southern African nations have generally been supportive of the vote, but sharp criticism has come from non-governmental groups and western governments including Britain.

The Guardian

Nationally, just 16% of 18- to 24-year-olds say they are certain to vote in an election and there has been a sharp decline over the past year in registration among black and ethnic minority voters from 77% to 58%, the Hansard Society's audit reveals.

The Guardian

"It used to be a true blue seat, so actually the transition from Conservative to Liberal Democrats showed that there was a change there anyway, and that's just to do with the very sharp increase in public sector employment in South Yorkshire over the past ten or fifteen years".

The Guardian

The case has reached the nation's highest court at a time when US police use of force is under sharp scrutiny.

The Guardian

At first, he offered it to Harper & Brothers (who "rejected it with a sharp slap"), and then to Doubleday, Page.

The Guardian - Books

O'Connor has a sharp eye for personal detail: none better than her observation of the discomfort in and around the DUP: Last Friday saw Dr Paisley take up three, perhaps four positions inside 24 hours, none of them gracefully.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also echoed the sudden sharp rise in yes support in the closing weeks of the campaign, and confirmed what YouGov and TNS BMRB had discovered: that the referendum vote was too close to call.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, use "sharp" with specific nouns: "sharp contrast", "sharp increase", "sharp decline". This provides a more vivid and precise description.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp" as a generic intensifier. Overusing it weakens its impact and makes your writing less precise. For example, instead of "a sharp feeling", specify the emotion, like "a keen sense of disappointment".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sharp" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a physical attribute (e.g., "sharp knife"), a quality of intelligence (e.g., "sharp mind"), or the nature of a change (e.g., "sharp increase"). Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sharp" is a versatile adjective widely used to describe physical attributes, mental acuity, and the nature of changes. As noted by Ludwig AI, it enjoys a "Correct" grammatical status and "Very common" usage, particularly in news and media. To maximize clarity, avoid using "sharp" vaguely; instead, pair it with specific nouns, such as "sharp contrast" or "sharp increase". Overall, "sharp" offers a concise and impactful way to convey precision, intensity, or clarity in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

razor-sharp

Emphasizes extreme sharpness, literally or figuratively.

acute

Emphasizes the intensity or severity of something, like pain or perception.

keen

Indicates eagerness, enthusiasm, or sharpness of mind.

pointed

Implies directness or incisiveness in communication or shape.

astute

Highlights shrewdness and intelligence.

incisive

Highlights the ability to analyze and express thoughts clearly and directly.

shrewd

Implies cleverness and practicality.

pungent

Refers to a strong, sharp taste or smell.

acrid

Describes a harsh or bitter taste or smell.

crisp

Suggests clearness, freshness, or sharpness in a sensory experience.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp" to describe something with a fine edge (e.g., "a sharp knife"), intelligence (e.g., "a sharp mind"), or a sudden change (e.g., "a "sharp decline" in sales").

What are some synonyms for "sharp" when describing intelligence?

Alternatives for "sharp" in the context of intelligence include "astute", "perceptive", "clever", or "intelligent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sharp increase" or "significant increase"?

"Sharp increase" suggests a sudden and noticeable rise, while "significant increase" emphasizes the importance or impact of the rise. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the speed or the importance of the change.

When is it inappropriate to use the word "sharp"?

Avoid using "sharp" when describing something that should be gentle or smooth. For instance, describing a gentle breeze as "sharp" would be contradictory. Also, avoid using it as a vague descriptor; be specific about what kind of sharpness you mean.