sharp lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp lines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has distinct and clear outlines, for example: "The architect's design for the building features sharp lines and minimalist features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The slightest touch blurs their sharp lines.

The Guardian

Those sharp lines, those flexed feet, those big squats!

The New Yorker

Notice the sharp lines that divide some of the lagoons.

The Guardian

Curves are out and sharp lines are in.

The Guardian - Tech

A few more sharp lines would help too.

The Guardian

The styling follows Ford's "New Edge" theme, with rounded surfaces broken by sharp lines.

The New York Times

And Geneva's sharp lines and off-center comic character just lie there, unseized by Ellen David.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Hughson's Tavern," by Fred Moten, has some razor-sharp lines — it's nervous laughter, but it's real.

The New York Times - Books

Here, the Pininfarina studio's styling is lovingly executed, and the razor-sharp lines fairly ooze Ferrari DNA.

The New York Times

Using projections and masking tape to "draw" razor-sharp lines, he transfers an image line for line to canvas.

The New York Times - Arts

Wet or dry, the razor-sharp lines would fall perfectly into place with the client's jaw and cheekbones.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual elements, use "sharp lines" to convey a sense of precision, modernity, or even starkness. For example, "The building's design features sharp lines, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic."

Common error

Avoid using "sharp lines" to describe subjects that are inherently soft or organic, as this can create a jarring or nonsensical image. Instead of saying "The cloud had sharp lines", opt for "defined edges" or a similar phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp lines" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often modifying nouns related to design, art, or abstract concepts. It's used to highlight the clarity and precision of edges or boundaries, as seen in Ludwig's examples. The phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharp lines" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe objects or concepts with clear, distinct edges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and serves to emphasize precision and clarity. While its usage spans various contexts, it's most frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, consider its inherent emphasis on precision and ensure it aligns with the subject being described. While "sharp lines" is generally suitable for neutral and professional contexts, it may be less appropriate for informal or overly descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crisp edges

Replaces "lines" with "edges" and "sharp" with "crisp", focusing on the distinct border.

defined outlines

Substitutes "lines" with "outlines" and "sharp" with "defined", emphasizing the clear shape.

clean-cut edges

Uses a more informal term "clean-cut" for "sharp", adding a sense of neatness.

clear boundaries

Shifts the focus to the concept of boundaries instead of lines, implying distinct separation.

distinct contours

Replaces "lines" with "contours" suggesting a more flowing but still defined shape.

geometric precision

Emphasizes the accuracy and mathematical quality of the lines.

well-defined edges

Focuses on the edges, suggesting that they are prominent and easily observed.

marked separations

Moves away from physical lines to conceptual separations that are easily noticeable.

razor-sharp demarcations

Uses the term "demarcations" and the adjective "razor-sharp" to describe separation with extreme precision.

unambiguous borders

Shifts the focus to the borders and replace the adjective "sharp" with "unambiguous" which emphasizes that the distinction is clear and obvious.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sharp lines" in a sentence?

Use "sharp lines" to describe objects or designs that have clear, distinct edges and a precise appearance. It can be used to describe architectural designs, graphic designs, or even abstract concepts that are clearly defined.

What are some alternatives to using "sharp lines"?

You can use alternatives like "crisp edges", "defined outlines", or "clear boundaries" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "sharp lines" when describing abstract concepts?

Yes, "sharp lines" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts that are clearly defined or have distinct boundaries. For example, "The new policy drew sharp lines between acceptable and unacceptable behavior."

What is the difference between "sharp lines" and "strong lines"?

"Sharp lines" emphasize precision and clarity, while "strong lines" suggest robustness and visual weight. Use "sharp lines" when you want to highlight the clarity of the lines, and "strong lines" when you want to emphasize their boldness or impact.