sharp retorts

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp retorts" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe quick, witty, or cutting responses in a conversation or debate. Example: Her sharp retorts left him speechless during the argument. Alternative expressions include "witty comebacks" and "cutting replies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Culture

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But the chancellor was more his telegenic self, using quips and sharp retorts to score points.

The New York Times

If I worked at IBM I would make the brilliant women who made those witty, sharp retorts the stars of my next campaign.

Independent

Humphries commands the stage as Edna; many younger comics can only dream of such effortless interaction with the crowd and such sharp retorts.

The Guardian

A pundit infuses sharp retorts with fresh reports, does not stoop to respond to pops taken at him by other harmless noodges, but reserves high dudgeon for high officials foolish enough to rise to his provocative bait.

The New York Times

Brady might not be a like-for-like replacement but as someone who has prospered in the male-dominated world of football, she has had to come up with a few sharp retorts of her own.

The Guardian

Whereas Tony Speaks: The Wisdom of the Abbott – an earlier book of quotations I put together – is mostly gaffes, backflips and hypocrisies, The Book of Paul is a mixture of sharp retorts and light-on-the-hill vision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

That prompted a sharp retort from Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers.

The New York Times

Do justice!' " Justice Holmes gave a sharp retort: "That is not my job.

The New York Times

But Mary Jo White, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, issued a sharp retort.

The New York Times

Senator Dodd has a sharp retort when I asked him about that warning: "Oh, that's very patriotic.

The New York Times - Magazine

During a mock press interview his interrogator's every question concerned his father and, eventually, prompted a sharp retort.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp retorts" when you want to emphasize the quick, intelligent, and sometimes critical nature of someone's responses. It is particularly effective in describing debates, arguments, or comedic performances.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp retorts" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral tone is expected. Opt for alternatives like "pointed replies" or "incisive answers" to maintain a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp retorts" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" modifies the noun "retorts". It describes the characteristic quality of the retorts, indicating they are quick, intelligent, and potentially critical. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing interactions and performances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Culture

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharp retorts" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe quick, intelligent, and sometimes critical responses. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as supported by Ludwig's examples, it effectively adds detail and character to narratives. When deploying the phrase, be mindful of the context and tone, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings to maintain an appropriate register. The examples showcase its versatility in describing debates, arguments, and comedic performances, underscoring its communicative power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

witty comebacks

Emphasizes the clever and humorous nature of the responses.

cutting remarks

Highlights the incisive and potentially hurtful quality of the responses.

pointed replies

Focuses on the direct and relevant nature of the responses.

incisive answers

Emphasizes the penetrating and clear quality of the responses.

clever rejoinders

Highlights the quick and intelligent nature of the responses.

sarcastic responses

Focuses on the use of sarcasm in the responses.

biting sarcasm

Emphasizes the hurtful and mocking nature of the responses.

acerbic replies

Highlights the bitter and sharp quality of the responses.

pungent retorts

Focuses on the strong and sharp nature of the responses.

snappy answers

Emphasizes the quick and energetic nature of the responses.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp retorts" to describe someone's quick and witty responses in a conversation or debate. For instance, "Her "sharp retorts" left him speechless during the argument".

What are some alternatives to "sharp retorts"?

You can use alternatives like "witty comebacks", "cutting remarks", or "pointed replies" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "sharp retorts" in writing?

"Sharp retorts" is appropriate when describing situations where someone is quick-witted and uses clever or critical responses, often in debates or comedic performances. Be cautious in highly formal contexts. Examples from Ludwig show its use in news, media and culture.

Is "sharp retorts" a formal or informal expression?

"Sharp retorts" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. While acceptable in many contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "incisive responses" or "pointed replies" for academic or professional writing.