sharp remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp remarks" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You might use it when referring to a statement made by someone which has a cutting or critical nature. For example: "The meeting quickly deteriorated after the CEO made a few sharp remarks directed at the department heads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

On his arrival in Asia, Mr Bush also made sharp remarks about Taiwan's "free and democratic society" and China's need to "continue down the road of reform".

The Economist

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. "Sharp remarks" can be appropriate in news reporting or analytical writing, but may be too harsh for more casual or sensitive communication.

Common error

While "sharp remarks" accurately describes critical comments, overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or aggressive in informal settings. Consider using milder alternatives like "critical comments" or "pointed remarks" for better tone and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp remarks" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing the nature of comments made. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and its use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp remarks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe cutting or critical comments. As Ludwig AI points out, it is most often found in News & Media contexts, signifying deliberate and often negative intent. While effective in conveying disapproval, it's important to consider the tone and context of your writing, as overuse in informal settings may sound overly aggressive. Alternatives like "pointed comments" or "critical observations" can provide a milder approach. Ultimately, "sharp remarks" serves as a precise tool for highlighting pointed criticism, provided it's used thoughtfully and purposefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cutting remarks

Highlights the painful impact of the remarks.

pointed comments

Focuses on the directness and intention behind the remarks.

critical observations

Emphasizes the analytical and evaluative nature of the remarks.

biting comments

Highlights the harsh and potentially hurtful quality of the remarks.

acerbic wit

Focuses on the clever and sharp, but potentially unkind, use of humor in the remarks.

caustic statements

Emphasizes the corrosive and intensely critical nature of the remarks.

acidic comments

Emphasizes the corrosive and unpleasant quality of the remarks.

incisive comments

Highlights the penetrating and clear-sighted quality of the remarks.

sarcastic remarks

Focuses specifically on remarks using sarcasm.

trenchant observations

Emphasizes the sharpness and effectiveness of the observations.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp remarks" to describe critical or cutting comments made by someone, such as "The debate was filled with "sharp remarks" from both sides".

What are some alternatives to "sharp remarks"?

Alternatives include "pointed comments", "critical observations", or "biting comments", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "sharp remarks"?

It's appropriate when describing deliberately critical or harsh comments, especially in formal or analytical contexts like news reporting or academic analysis. The phrase indicates a clear intent to criticize or challenge.

What is the difference between "sharp remarks" and "critical remarks"?

"Sharp remarks" implies a more cutting or harsh tone than "critical remarks". While both indicate disapproval, "sharp remarks" suggests a more deliberate and potentially painful intent behind the words. Critical remarks can be more neutral.