sharp answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp answer" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a response that is direct, quick, and to the point. For example, "The CEO gave a sharp answer when she addressed the board of directors' concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In this talk we give an essentially sharp answer to this question.

Princeton University

Recently it got a sharp answer (up to the endpoint) in all dimensions.

University of California, Berkeley

But when asked whether he would during prime minister's questions in the House of Commons, his quick and sharp answer has been "no".

The Guardian

It came as a rising chirp on soprano saxophone, and immediately there was a sharp answer, from the trumpeter Randy Brecker.

The New York Times - Arts

In a sharp answer to Amazon and its expanding publishing efforts, Barnes & Noble said on Tuesday that it would not sell books released by Amazon Publishing in its bookstores.

The New York Times

Ms. Quinn also had a sharp answer to a question about how the city should resolve a standoff with the teachers' union over teacher evaluations, which has put in peril roughly $60 million in federal aid to struggling city schools.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Sharp answers to intrusive people.

The Guardian - Books

"I provided the sharp answers," Mrs. Phillips told The Ladies Home Journall in 1981.

The New York Times

As I replayed the incident in my head, a thousand sharp answers swam to shore.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is good at talking to important people, asking long, considered questions that sometimes elicit sharp answers, the kind of interviews that network news rarely has time for.

The New York Times - Arts

The three members of the group the missing Stets never appeared bounced around in front of the camera and delivered sharp answers to Freddy's wide outside pitches.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp answer" when you want to convey that the response was not only quick and direct, but also intelligent or perceptive. It's suitable when the situation calls for clarity and decisiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp answer" if the intention is simply to describe a fast or immediate response without any implication of intelligence or potential criticism. Use alternatives like "quick reply" or "direct response" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp answer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "answer". Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in writing, and the examples illustrate its use in describing responses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp answer" describes a response that is not only quick and direct but also intelligent and incisive. It's grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and is commonly used in news and academic contexts. While generally neutral, its formality can vary depending on the situation. When using "sharp answer", ensure that the context aligns with its connotation of cleverness and perceptiveness. If a simpler, more neutral term is needed, alternatives like "concise response" or "direct reply" may be more appropriate. Remember that a "sharp answer" brings more nuance than just a regular answer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crisp response

Similar to "sharp", adding an element of neatness and efficiency.

incisive answer

Highlights the penetrating and insightful quality of the response.

succinct answer

Similar to concise, but perhaps slightly more formal.

concise response

Focuses on the brevity and clarity of the reply, omitting the implication of pointedness.

direct reply

Emphasizes the straightforwardness of the answer, lacking the nuance of incisiveness.

clear-cut answer

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the reply.

pointed response

Highlights the incisive nature of the answer, potentially implying criticism or disagreement.

unequivocal answer

Highlights the lack of doubt or reservation in the response.

brief reply

Stresses the shortness of the answer, without necessarily implying directness or cleverness.

terse response

Suggests a curt and abrupt reply, possibly indicating impatience or annoyance.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp answer" to describe a response that is direct, intelligent, and often delivered quickly. For example, "The politician gave a "sharp answer" to the reporter's question".

What can I say instead of "sharp answer"?

You can use alternatives like "concise response", "incisive answer", or "direct reply" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sharp answer"?

It's appropriate when the response is not only direct and to the point but also demonstrates intelligence or keen insight. Consider if the context requires a clever or perceptive reply.

What's the difference between "sharp answer" and "quick answer"?

While both phrases describe a prompt response, ""sharp answer"" implies intelligence or cleverness in the response, whereas "quick answer" simply refers to the speed of the reply.