sharp problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a difficult and challenging issue that needs to be addressed. For example, "The sharp problem of poverty in rural areas needs to be tackled urgently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On drug abuse, a particularly sharp problem in New Hampshire: "We're going to end it.

The Guardian - Opinion

For him and the rest of the country's cultural elite, the Soviet-led invasion posed a sharp problem: emigrate, collaborate, or face the consequences.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this paper, we shall discuss the sharp problems about (H_{mu}).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The home office can contain sharp problems such as push pins, paperclips, file pins, the edges of filing cabinets and desks, pens, etc. Keep all pens, pencils, markers, and sharp instruments in the top drawer or box out of reach of the baby.

WikiHow

Hereby hangs Arsenal's sharpest problem.

The Guardian - Sport

If we want to pass on a livable planet for generations to come, becoming sharper problem solvers ought to be number 1. on all our New Year's resolution lists.

Huffington Post

A site like Second Life presents much sharper problems than social networking sites, of which MySpace.com is the most famous and successful example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both qualitative and quantitative behavior are addressed, and an assessment of the computational effort required to approximate a sharp-interface problem is made.

Journal of Computational Physics

However, for the non-mixing or sharp interface problems, such as the interface between gas and liquid, the current method can be used as a scheme similar to the level set method, where the interface location can be identified with a fixed level set value, such as Θ = 0.

Journal of Computational Physics

The Texas sharp-shooter problem is an example of silent multiplicity because any one of hundreds, or possibly thousands, of neighbourhoods, schools, or workplaces could have reported the cluster, which could have been for any one of several types of cancer or any one of several time periods.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Assessing whether there is a statistical excess is not straightforward for a variety of reasons; prominent among these is that the boundaries of the cluster in time, space, and person are usually defined after the event (the Texas sharp-shooter problem).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp problem" to emphasize that an issue is not only a problem but also distinct, well-defined, and requires focused attention. For example, "The company's decline in sales is a "sharp problem" that needs immediate analysis and strategic intervention."

Common error

Avoid using "sharp problem" in overly casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic. In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "major issue" or "significant concern" for better tone alignment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp problem" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "problem", emphasizing the distinct, critical, and often urgent nature of the issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharp problem" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively highlights a distinct and pressing issue. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for emphasizing the severity and clarity of a problem, often in professional or academic contexts. While "sharp problem" appears most frequently in news and scientific publications, it's important to consider the tone and register of your writing, as more casual alternatives may be preferable in informal situations. Understanding the nuances of this phrase will enable you to communicate more effectively and precisely in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute issue

Replaces "sharp" with "acute", emphasizing the severity and suddenness of the problem.

critical problem

Substitutes "sharp" with "critical", highlighting the importance and urgency of addressing the problem.

serious difficulty

Replaces "sharp problem" with a more general term, focusing on the severity of the difficulty.

pressing concern

Changes "sharp problem" to a "pressing concern", suggesting a matter that demands immediate attention.

grave matter

Replaces "sharp problem" with "grave matter", indicating a serious and significant issue.

thorny issue

Substitutes "sharp" with "thorny", highlighting the complexity and difficulty in resolving the issue.

challenging situation

Replaces "sharp problem" with a more general phrase, focusing on the difficulty presented by the situation.

significant hurdle

Changes "sharp problem" to a "significant hurdle", emphasizing the obstacle that needs to be overcome.

major snag

Replaces "sharp problem" with a more informal term, suggesting a significant obstacle or difficulty.

tough predicament

Substitutes "sharp" with "tough" and "problem" with "predicament", highlighting the difficulty and challenging nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp problem" to describe a distinct and pressing issue that requires immediate attention. For example: "The decline in student enrollment is a "sharp problem" that the university needs to address."

What are some alternatives to "sharp problem"?

You can use alternatives like "acute issue", "critical problem", or "serious difficulty" depending on the specific context.

Is "sharp problem" a formal or informal expression?

"Sharp problem" leans towards the formal side. In more casual conversations, consider using phrases like "major issue" or "significant concern".

What makes a problem "sharp"?

A "sharp problem" is one that is distinct, well-defined, and often requires focused, immediate attention due to its potential impact or severity. It suggests a problem that is clear-cut and not easily ignored.