sharp remark

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp remark" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when someone expresses their opinion in a forceful or insulting manner. For example: "Jane made a sharp remark about John's shirt choice, which embarrassed him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He relishes tales of political intrigue, does wicked impressions of Washington's most powerful figures and is quick with the sharp remark: "I can fix the campaign," he told many friends when he took off for Gore headquarters in Nashville this summer.

The New York Times

(Raymond Sokolov would most likely have a sharp remark to make about that.) The love and observation behind the recipes ("Church divas easily make their presence known") will lead you to a further appreciation of what Pinner does with simple items like sugar and evaporated milk.

The New York Times - Books

Meanwhile, image activist Michaela Angela Davis delivered a sharp remark that begged no further debate: "Black girls are magic".

Huffington Post

This relates well to: "go the second mile" or "turn the other cheek" which will often mean "hold your tongue" and swallow that sharp remark.

WikiHow

Women do not like having their chests gawked at.[2] You may get attention, but it will not be the positive kind, and may result in a sharp remark or a slap.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Many, many, many more people are buying art than in the past," Amanda Sharp remarked.

The New Yorker

I could watch her glare and make sharp remarks all day long.

The New Yorker

Mr. Erdogan's sharp remarks seemed to severely dent Turkey's already fraught talks on joining the European Union.

The New York Times

He reacted with another surprise: an official statement, sprinkled with half-finished swearwords, rambling sentences and sharp remarks.

The Guardian - Sport

He went broke twice, maxed out his credit cards and even borrowed money from his mother — loans that came with sharp remarks about his clothes and hair.

The New York Times - Magazine

So far Indonesia's president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, has stayed above the fray, saying through a spokesman only that both sides should end their sharp remarks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp remark" to describe a statement that is not only insightful but also potentially critical or cutting. Consider the audience and context to ensure the remark is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp remark" repeatedly in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives such as "incisive comment" or "pointed observation" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader command of language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp remark" functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "remark". It describes a specific quality of the remark, indicating its incisiveness or potential to cause discomfort. The Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp remark" is a noun phrase used to describe an incisive, often critical, statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts. While the phrase appears more frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad range of writing. When using "sharp remark", be mindful of its potential to convey criticism and adjust your vocabulary accordingly, exploring alternatives like "incisive comment" to maintain clarity and engagement. Understanding these nuances helps ensure that your writing is both precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incisive comment

Replaces 'remark' with 'comment' and 'sharp' with 'incisive', focusing on the penetrating nature of the statement.

trenchant observation

Stresses the keenness and forcefulness of the remark.

pointed comment

Replaces 'sharp' with 'pointed', suggesting a more direct and deliberate quality to the comment.

critical comment

Emphasizes the disapproving nature of the comment.

acerbic comment

Focuses on the bitter and acidic quality of the remark.

caustic observation

Emphasizes the biting and corrosive nature of the remark by using 'caustic' and replacing 'remark' with 'observation'.

sarcastic quip

Emphasizes the ironic and often mocking nature of the remark.

acidic statement

Highlights the bitter and critical nature of the statement.

cutting retort

Replaces both 'sharp' and 'remark' with more forceful terms, highlighting the quick and incisive nature of the response.

witty jab

Highlights the clever and slightly malicious nature of the remark.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp remark" to describe someone's clever but possibly critical statement. For example, "Her sharp remark silenced the room".

What is a synonym for "sharp remark"?

Alternatives to "sharp remark" include "incisive comment", "pointed comment", or "caustic observation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sharp remark" always negative?

While "sharp remark" often implies criticism, it can also describe a witty and insightful comment. The negativity depends on the context and the speaker's intent.

What's the difference between a "sharp remark" and a "blunt statement"?

A "sharp remark" is often clever and incisive, while a blunt statement is direct and straightforward, without necessarily being witty. The "blunt statement" may be less refined but more honest.