sharp senses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp senses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who has an exceptional ability to perceive or observe things accurately. For example: "The detective had particularly sharp senses, quickly perceiving any hint of a perpetrator's misdeeds."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Predatory mites have sharp senses, but many are sightless.

The Guardian

Beyond the strange hours, nocturnal biologists often work in environments that can prove dangerous to human beings, who lack the dim light vision and sharp senses of smell or hearing that most night-adapted species rely on.

Science Magazine

Wolves are notoriously difficult to hunt due to their elusiveness, their sharp senses, their high endurance in the chase and ability to quickly incapacitate and kill hunting dogs.

Wikipedia

Have incredibly sharp senses of observation, sight, hearing, and leadership.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr Calderón appears to have a sharp sense of priorities.

The Economist

But he had a sharp sense for trouble.

The New York Times

But he has a sharp sense of humor.

The New York Times

A warm tone and a sharp sense of humor bolster her restrained artistry.

The New Yorker

Even some commission members feel a sharp sense of frustration and disappointment.

The New York Times

Bruce Easop, the president of Princeton's undergraduate student government, noted her "sharp sense of humor".

The New York Times

She had a sharp sense of humor and was not afraid to express her opinions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters or creatures, use "sharp senses" to highlight their ability to perceive details others might miss. For example, "The old hunter relied on his "sharp senses" to track the elusive prey."

Common error

Avoid using "sharp senses" in overly simplistic descriptions. Instead of saying, "The dog has "sharp senses"", provide specific examples of what the dog can detect that others cannot. For example, "The dog's "sharp senses" allowed it to hear the faint rustling of mice in the walls."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp senses" functions as a descriptive attribute, typically modifying a noun (e.g., "wolves", "mites") or pronoun to indicate an enhanced or refined ability to perceive and interpret sensory information. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase is valid and depicts exceptional perception.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science & Research

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp senses" describes a heightened ability to perceive the environment, playing a crucial role in depicting characters or creatures with exceptional sensory capabilities. Grammatically sound and versatile, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science & Research contexts, as Ludwig confirms. Though relatively rare, this phrase effectively conveys a subject's superior perceptual abilities, making it a valuable tool for descriptive writing. It's essential to provide specific examples of the subject's abilities rather than relying solely on the phrase itself. Alternative phrases like "keen perception" or "acute awareness" can offer nuanced variations to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen perception

Replaces "senses" with a noun that denotes the ability to become aware of something through the senses.

acute awareness

Shifts the focus to a state of heightened consciousness and understanding.

heightened sensitivity

Emphasizes the increased ability to detect and respond to stimuli.

discerning eye

Specifically refers to the ability to make fine distinctions visually.

astute observation

Highlights the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

remarkable insight

Focuses on the depth of understanding and intuitive grasp of complex matters.

exceptional acuity

Uses a more formal term to describe sharpness of perception or intellect.

sensitive faculties

Uses a more formal term than senses to describe the natural abilities.

enhanced perception

Focuses on the improved or augmented ability to perceive.

vigilant awareness

Highlights the attentiveness and watchfulness associated with heightened perception.

FAQs

How can I describe senses that are not sharp?

You could describe them as "dulled senses", "blunted senses", or "impaired senses", depending on the specific context. For instance, "His senses were dulled by the cold". These phrases imply a reduction in the ability to perceive stimuli.

What does it mean to have "sharp senses"?

Having "sharp senses" means possessing an enhanced ability to perceive the environment through sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. It implies a heightened awareness and sensitivity to subtle details that others might miss.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "sharp senses"?

The phrase "sharp senses" is appropriate when describing animals, characters, or individuals who exhibit exceptional sensory perception. It can be used in both fictional and non-fictional contexts to emphasize their keen awareness of their surroundings.

What are some synonyms for "sharp senses"?

Synonyms include "keen perception", "acute awareness", "heightened sensitivity", and "discerning eye". The best choice depends on the specific sense you are emphasizing (e.g., "discerning eye" for sight).