sharp bend

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp bend" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a severely angled corner or turn in a road or path. For example: "The cyclist was surprised by the sharp bend in the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We zip around one sharp bend, then another.

The New Yorker

Then we came to a sharp bend and a steep 50-foot drop.

The New York Times - Travel

Continuing upstream, rounding a sharp bend in the river, I saw the Columbia Bridge looming, hawks circling above.

The New York Times

A couple of kilometres after the second of these, you will arrive at a sharp bend in the road.

The Guardian - Travel

The early city was located on the east bank along a sharp bend in the Mississippi, from which the nickname "Crescent City" is derived.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The highest peaks are in the sharp bend of the arc, where Mount Marcus Baker rises to 13,176 feet (4,016 metres).

Encyclopedia Britannica

We came around a sharp bend in the trail and squinted into the sun that shone through a gap in the trees.

The New Yorker

For the first few minutes my views were limited to the footfalls of the person in front, then a sharp bend coincided with a clearing.

Independent

The route winds up into what is the biggest natural forest in the contiguous United States, until the roadway suddenly widens on a sharp bend.

Independent

Bosch, a German car-component company, is working on a satnav that can give warning of a sharp bend ahead, for example.

The Economist

Although the tarmac is freshly laid on the downhill section, the sharp bend and narrow road at Ewden bridge may catch a few riders out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a road or path, use "sharp bend" to clearly indicate a sudden and significant change in direction, especially when it might pose a hazard.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp bend" metaphorically when describing abstract situations that lack a clear directional component. Instead, opt for more appropriate terms like "sudden shift" or "unexpected change".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp bend" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it describing a physical feature, such as in roads, rivers, or paths. It is used to identify a specific point where a significant change in direction occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp bend" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a sudden and significant change in direction. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase in written English. As Ludwig examples show, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its wide applicability across various domains. When writing, use "sharp bend" to provide clear and concise descriptions of physical locations, especially when directional changes might pose a hazard. Alternative phrases include "acute turn" or "sudden turn". Be mindful of overusing it in metaphorical contexts where more precise language might be warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute turn

Focuses on the severity of the angle, using "acute" to emphasize a sharp and sudden change in direction.

sudden turn

Highlights the unexpected nature of the change in direction, implying it happens quickly and without much warning.

hairpin turn

Specifically refers to a very sharp, U-shaped turn, often found on mountain roads.

tight corner

Emphasizes the limited space available to navigate the turn, suggesting it requires careful maneuvering.

abrupt curve

Similar to "sudden turn" but uses "curve" to suggest a less angular change in direction.

right angle turn

Describes a turn that forms a 90-degree angle, providing a more precise geometric description.

blind corner

Highlights the reduced visibility around the corner, implying a potential hazard.

severe curve

Similar to "abrupt curve" but emphasizes the intensity or danger of the curve.

switchback

Specifically refers to a zigzagging series of sharp turns, typically on a steep incline.

dogleg

Often used in the context of golf or roads, referring to a sharp bend that resembles a dog's hind leg.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp bend" to describe a sudden change in direction, as in "The road had a "sharp bend" that made it dangerous to drive at night".

What are some alternatives to "sharp bend"?

Alternatives to "sharp bend" include "acute turn", "sudden turn", or "hairpin turn", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "sharply bend" instead of "sharp bend"?

"Sharply bend" is a verb phrase indicating the action of bending sharply, whereas "sharp bend" is a noun phrase describing the feature itself. For example, "The river sharply bends" describes the river's action, while "a sharp bend in the river" describes the river's shape.

What's the difference between a "sharp bend" and a "gentle curve"?

A "sharp bend" indicates a sudden and significant change in direction, while a "gentle curve" implies a gradual and less pronounced change. The terms differ in the severity and abruptness of the directional change.