sharp gasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sharp gasp' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a sudden, brief intake of breath as a result of surprise, fear, or other strong emotion. For example, "The room was filled with a sharp gasp as the jury declared a verdict of guilty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"When you talk about your cancer, you don't get the intake of breath, the sharp gasp," he said.

The New York Times

He is 50 years old, though, and before long, he exhaled a sharp gasp and cradled his head in his arms like a wounded, winded boxer.

The New York Times - Food

Imagine it: every time you go to a party, bump into an old friend or even fill in a mortgage application you reveal what you do to wide eyes, a sharp gasp and yet another moral debate.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On Sunday, representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, led by Cardinal Walter Kasper, attended the service and several joined the procession at the end to kiss the cross held by Kirill, drawing sharp gasps from at least a few worshipers.

The New York Times

Cue the sharp gasps and the "Oh no she DIDN'T" drumroll on Twitter: judging from a clip from the upcoming season of "Downton Abbey," fans will get the period catfight they were hoping for when it was announced that Shirley MacLaine would be joining the cast to play the mother of Elizabeth McGovern's Lady Cora.

The New York Times

The 50s melodrama trailer -- which includes booming music, sharp gasps, and tears -- still leaves much to the imagination, but viewers are tipped off to the fact that Tara is being used for something evil.

Huffington Post

Mixed in were the unfortunate, clichéd sounds of the dancers, who accompanied their forceful jabs of movement with sharp grunts, gasps and hisses.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a consolation that, if anything, it will be short, sharp sudden — a gasp, and then a silence — for ever and ever!" The natives seized Stanley's oars and retreated to discuss matters, giving him a chance to shoot his way off the island.

Forbes

My heart gasps sharp and now my mind screams, sharp, so so hurt so so angry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Diesel's reply to a last-gasp question by an audience member at the very end of the Riddick panel drew a smattering of gasps, sharp intakes of breath and a more than a little ripple of applause.

The Guardian - Film

The last gasp of sharp high-low distinctions was the 1930's.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp gasp" to vividly portray a character's immediate reaction to shocking or startling news. For increased impact, describe what caused the gasp and the character's subsequent actions.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp gasp" repeatedly within a short span. Vary your descriptions of reactions with alternatives like "sudden intake of breath" or describing the physical response such as "she inhaled sharply".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp gasp" functions as a noun phrase where "sharp" modifies "gasp", describing the sudden and intense nature of the inhalation. This phrase is often used to depict a character's reaction in narrative writing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp gasp" is a grammatically sound and descriptively vivid way to depict a sudden intake of breath, often due to surprise or shock. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English. While not exceedingly common, its impactful nature makes it a valuable tool for writers aiming to convey immediate reactions. Predominantly found in news and media, "sharp gasp" serves to immerse readers in the described scene. Related phrases include "sudden intake of breath" and "audible gasp", offering subtle variations in meaning. Overusing the phrase should be avoided to maintain the text's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden intake of breath

Focuses on the physical action of breathing in sharply.

audible gasp

Emphasizes that the gasp can be heard.

quick intake of air

Highlights the speed and the element being inhaled.

startled inhalation

Indicates the gasp is caused by being startled.

gasp of surprise

Specifically links the gasp to the emotion of surprise.

shocked breath

Highlights the emotional impact causing the gasp.

gasp of horror

Indicates the gasp is caused by horror.

fearful breath

Highlights the fear that triggers the sharp intake of breath.

gasp of disbelief

The gasp is triggered by disbelief or shock.

astonished breath

Links the gasp to astonishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp gasp" to describe a sudden intake of breath due to surprise, shock, or fear. For instance, "A "sharp gasp" filled the room when the verdict was announced".

What are some synonyms for "sharp gasp"?

Alternatives to "sharp gasp" include "sudden intake of breath", "audible gasp", or "startled inhalation", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "a sharp gasp escaped her lips"?

Yes, the phrase "a sharp gasp escaped her lips" is grammatically correct and conveys the idea that the gasp was involuntary, triggered by a sudden or intense emotion or sensation.

What's the difference between "sharp gasp" and "gasp of surprise"?

"Sharp gasp" describes the physical sound and action of a quick, forceful intake of breath, while "gasp of surprise" specifies the reason for the gasp.