sharp enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object, typically a blade or tool, that has a sufficient edge or point for a specific purpose. Example: "The knife is sharp enough to easily slice through the vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I wasn't sharp enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Throttle response not sharp enough?

The Guardian - Tech

That, too, wasn't sharp enough.

The New York Times

Unfortunately my game was not sharp enough to attack it.

The New York Times

Many soldiers are sharp enough to spot the contradiction.

Independent

His diagnosis was sharp enough to earn him death threats.

The New York Times - Books

Yet things are not sharp enough between her and Valmont.

The Guardian

I like to consider myself a sharp enough guy.

The Guardian - Film

Only Aunt Betsy is sharp enough to raise an alarm at this prospect.

The New York Times - Books

"It was O.K., but it wasn't sharp enough for the start.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Downing Street operation is not sharp enough.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, ensure the context clearly indicates what the object needs to be "sharp enough" for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp enough" when a higher degree of sharpness is necessary. Consider alternatives if "sufficiently sharp" does not adequately convey the required level of precision or intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp enough" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier. It qualifies a noun by specifying that it possesses a sufficient degree of sharpness. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp enough" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival modifier used to express that something possesses a sufficient level of sharpness for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, applicable both literally (e.g., a knife) and metaphorically (e.g., wit). Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register. While alternatives like "sufficiently sharp" exist, "sharp enough" remains a concise and effective way to convey adequate sharpness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently sharp

Uses 'sufficiently' to indicate the required level of sharpness.

adequately sharp

Employs 'adequately' to denote a satisfactory level of sharpness.

keen enough

Replaces 'sharp' with 'keen', implying a sharpness of intellect or edge.

acute enough

Uses 'acute' to suggest a high degree of sharpness, often in a metaphorical sense.

razor sharp

Implies an extreme level of sharpness, like that of a razor.

sharp to the point of

More descriptive, emphasizing sharpness to a specific degree.

honed to perfection

Focuses on the process of achieving the sharpness rather than just the state.

of sufficient sharpness

Rephrases using a more formal tone.

serviceably sharp

Indicates the sharpness is adequate for practical use.

passably sharp

Suggests the sharpness is just acceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp enough" to describe something that possesses an adequate level of sharpness for a given task or purpose. For example, "Is this knife "sharp enough" to cut through this rope?"

What are some alternatives to the phrase "sharp enough"?

Alternatives include "sufficiently sharp", "adequately sharp", or "keen enough". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "sharp enough" or "sufficiently sharp"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Sharp enough" is slightly more informal, while "sufficiently sharp" can sound more precise or technical depending on context.

Can "sharp enough" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "sharp enough" can be used metaphorically to describe something other than a physical edge. For example, "Is his wit "sharp enough" to handle this debate?"