sharp salary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp salary" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may confuse readers as it lacks context and clarity regarding what "sharp" refers to in relation to "salary." Example: "The company offers a sharp salary, but the workload is intense."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The other is that the currency move at least temporarily rewarded the elite and the loyal class of state workers, who received sharp salary increases they could spend at state stores.

The New York Times

More than 2,000 certified teachers from all over the country flocked to a job fair in Brooklyn yesterday, leading Schools Chancellor Harold O. Levy to suggest that the sharp salary increase in the new teachers' contract has made New York City schools a more attractive place to work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Varmus's return to government will mean a sharp pay cut for him from the $2.7 million he was reportedly earning at Sloan Kettering to an NIH salary that usually tops out around $300,000.

Science Magazine

Much of the boom in consumer spending throughout Iraq is being driven by people like Ms. Falih, government workers who have experienced a sharp increase in salary.

The New York Times

"If I had to take a pay cut or had to accept another job for a lower level of pay, then I would have the credit card problem again, and no equity left in my home to solve it," said Mr. Murray, 36, who landed his present job last spring at a sharp increase in salary, to above $100,000.

The New York Times

There was also significant commentary on Slashdot: "If there was a genuine shortage [in STEM], you'd see sharp increases in salary levels.

F1000Research

This resulted in sharp differences in salaries between the highest income countries (i.e., South Africa and Botswana) and other countries in this analysis.

Plosone

"He has presided over a culture at Network Rail that has attacked jobs, working conditions and rail safety at the sharp end while his salary and perks have gone through the roof," said Bob Crow, leader of the RMT.

The Guardian

These intricate activity based payment contracts stand in sharp contrast to the salary based payments of doctors in hospitals and other parts of the health sector.

BMC Health Services Research

Mr Morales has faced down pressure for sharp increases in government salaries and the minimum wage.

The Economist

In 2007 the government launched a five-year overhaul of basic education, including a sharp rise in teachers' salaries, better school facilities and a reworked curriculum.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in salary, quantify the change whenever possible (e.g., "a 15% salary increase") for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp" to describe salary amounts, as it may imply unethical or aggressive business practices instead of a change in salary value. Focus on objective, neutral language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp salary" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sharp" attempts to modify "salary". However, this combination is not idiomatic and considered incorrect as noted by Ludwig AI. The intended meaning, based on context, usually refers to a significant change in salary (increase or decrease), rather than describing the salary itself.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sharp salary" appears in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect and not a standard expression in English. As noted by Ludwig AI, it lacks clarity and can confuse readers. Instead, it's recommended to use more precise and common phrases such as "significant salary increase", "competitive salary", or "attractive salary" to convey the intended meaning effectively. Ludwig's analysis reveals its rare usage, primarily in news and media contexts, and suggests that avoiding this phrase enhances clarity and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant salary increase

Emphasizes the substantial nature of the salary increase.

substantial wage hike

Indicates a considerable rise in wages.

steep pay cut

Highlights the severity of the salary reduction.

notable compensation boost

Focuses on a significant improvement in overall compensation.

marked salary adjustment

Implies a distinct and noticeable change in salary.

considerable earnings growth

Highlights the extent of the increase in earnings.

generous remuneration package

Emphasizes the overall attractiveness of the compensation.

competitive salary

Highlights the alignment of salary with the current market standards and industry practices.

attractive salary

Highlights the desirability of the salary.

improved compensation

General term for better pay.

FAQs

What does "sharp" typically mean when describing economic or financial situations?

The word "sharp" usually describes a sudden or significant change in an economic or financial context, not the inherent quality or ethics of a salary itself. For example, a "sharp increase" or "sharp decline" indicates a sudden change in market conditions.

Is there a better way to describe a very good or competitive salary?

Yes, you can use adjectives like "competitive", "attractive", "generous", or "excellent" to describe a salary that is above average or meets market standards.

Can "sharp salary" be misinterpreted, and if so, how?

Yes, the term "sharp salary" could be misinterpreted. The word "sharp" might imply questionable or aggressive business practices, which could create confusion or negative connotations. It's better to use more neutral and descriptive language.

What are some alternatives to describe a substantial increase in salary?

Instead of "sharp salary increase", you can use phrases like "significant salary increase", "substantial raise", or "considerable pay bump" to clearly convey the idea of a large increase in compensation.