sharp question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sharp question' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a question that is difficult or challenging. For example, "The professor posed a sharp question during the lecture, causing many students to struggle to answer it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

He challenged reporters with an unrehearsed, sharp question when he thought something was left unclear in their stories.

The New York Times - Magazine

Would Arsène Wenger progress an 18-year-old Tony Adams today?" That sharp question filters back down to grassroots.

The Guardian - Sport

In the slums of Brazil or the war zones of Africa, the way the church works is a huge and sharp question, because so little else works.

The Economist

Similar limits on cable and broadcasting companies have come under sharp question by a pair of rulings from a Federal appeals court in Washington.

The New York Times

Justice Wells did not want to hear Mr. Hancock's lofty definition of democracy; he got right to business with a sharp question about when the hand recounts of ballots had to be finished before Florida jeopardized its electoral votes.

The New York Times

Now Mr Mohammed is to be tried in Guantánamo, by a military commission.As in the war on terrorism, so in the war on crime: the sharp question is how much risk a society is willing to absorb in order to preserve liberty.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Three sharp questions.

The New York Times

Enthusiasm for Groupon has also been tempered amid sharp questions over its business model and accounting.

The New York Times

Two of them raised sharp questions today about his Democratic credentials.

The New York Times

If you ask sharp questions, you may end up being isolated, even from other journalists".

The New York Times

Defence attorney Joe Amendola had sharp questions Tuesday for two state police investigators who interviewed alleged victims.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp question" when you want to emphasize that the inquiry is insightful, direct, and potentially challenging. It's effective in scenarios where clarity and precision are crucial.

Common error

While "sharp question" is acceptable in various contexts, it can sound overly formal or aggressive in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using alternatives like "good question" or "interesting question" for a more approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The adjective "sharp" indicates that the question is incisive, direct, and potentially challenging.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, typically employed to describe an inquiry that is insightful, direct, and potentially challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and notes its frequent use in contexts demanding clarity and precision. While the phrase is acceptable across different registers, it is particularly suitable for professional and neutral environments, such as journalism or legal settings, as evidenced by its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While semantically related alternatives like "pointed query" or "incisive inquiry" exist, "sharp question" distinctly conveys a sense of insightful inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pointed query

Highlights the direct and focused nature of the question.

piercing question

Suggests a question that is sharp and revealing.

incisive inquiry

Emphasizes the penetrating and insightful nature of the question.

insightful question

Focuses on the understanding and wisdom of the question.

penetrating question

Suggests a question that delves deeply into a subject.

astute question

Highlights the clever and perceptive nature of the question.

probing question

Implies a thorough and investigative approach to questioning.

challenging question

Focuses on the difficulty and demanding nature of the question.

difficult question

Highlights the complexity and demanding nature of the question.

critical question

Implies that the question is vital and important.

FAQs

How to use "sharp question" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp question" to describe an incisive or challenging inquiry, as in "The lawyer posed a "sharp question" to the witness that revealed a critical flaw in their testimony."

What can I say instead of "sharp question"?

You can use alternatives like "pointed query", "incisive inquiry", or "penetrating question" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "sharp question"?

It is appropriate when referring to a question that is insightful and potentially challenging, particularly in situations where clarity is crucial, such as in legal settings or journalistic interviews.

What's the difference between "sharp question" and "difficult question"?

"Sharp question" implies the question is insightful and potentially challenging, revealing something important. "Difficult question" simply refers to a question that is hard to answer, without necessarily being insightful.