sharp smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that is striking, clever, or has a certain intensity, often implying a sense of wit or cunning. Example: "She greeted him with a sharp smile that hinted at her hidden agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Younger," she replied, with a sharp smile.

The New Yorker

"We're not giving up," she says, with a sharp smile.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One of the guys, blond crew cut, tattooed knuckles, sharp, smiling teeth, pantomimes a pitching motion, and Erasmo smiles back, pretends to be an umpire, and signals strike.

Vice

Sharp would smile and head to the library.

The New York Times - Sports

"We might be back but we've a few courts to see," said Mr Sharp, apologetic smile playing across his face and half bottle of Lanson Rose in hand.

Independent

Despite the realities of her work, Sister Phiri, as she is known, maintains a glowing smile, sharp humour, and keen sense of perspective.

Unicef

We remember his sharp wit, ready smile and twinkling eyes.

The New York Times

Her smile, sharp wit and loving heart will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The New York Times

Mr. Stark's professional success was mirrored in his personal life, where his grateful, loving family and many friends basked in his warm smile, sharp humor and generous nature.

The New York Times

But behind the smiles, sharp differences persist.

The Economist

For me, there is nothing sadder, or sharper, than that smile.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp smile" to convey a smile that is not just pleasant but also intelligent, witty, or perhaps hinting at something more beneath the surface. It's useful when characterizing someone quickly and vividly.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp smile" in purely joyful or innocent scenarios. The adjective "sharp" often carries a connotation of intelligence or even a slight edge, so it may feel out of place if the context is purely positive and lacks any hint of complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp smile" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "smile". It enhances the description by adding a layer of meaning beyond a simple expression of happiness, indicating wit, intelligence, or a hidden intent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp smile" is a versatile descriptor used to convey more than just happiness. It suggests intelligence, wit, or a hidden agenda, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and prevalent in news and media, it's important to consider the context to ensure its connotation aligns with the intended message. As a best practice, use "sharp smile" to vividly characterize someone, while avoiding it in overly positive contexts. Remember, a "witty smile" or "keen smile" could be better options depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

witty smile

Replaces "sharp" with "witty", focusing on the smile's cleverness.

keen smile

Substitutes "sharp" with "keen", emphasizing the smile's intensity and focus.

knowing smile

Replaces "sharp" with "knowing", suggesting the smile conveys secret understanding.

piercing smile

Uses "piercing" instead of "sharp", highlighting the smile's penetrating quality.

enigmatic smile

Replaces "sharp" with "enigmatic", suggesting the smile is mysterious and difficult to interpret.

intense smile

Substitutes "sharp" with "intense", focusing on the smile's strong and concentrated nature.

sly smile

Uses "sly" instead of "sharp", indicating the smile is cunning and secretive.

cunning smile

Replaces "sharp" with "cunning", emphasizing the smile's manipulative nature.

pointed smile

Substitutes "sharp" with "pointed", suggesting the smile is direct and purposeful.

incisive smile

Uses "incisive" instead of "sharp", highlighting the smile's penetrating and clear-cut nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp smile" to describe a person's expression, such as: "She greeted him with a "sharp smile", hinting at her hidden agenda". Or, "His "sharp smile" suggested he knew more than he let on".

What's a good alternative to "sharp smile"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "witty smile", "keen smile", or "knowing smile" to convey similar, but slightly different, nuances.

What does a "sharp smile" imply?

A "sharp smile" often implies intelligence, wit, or even a hint of cunning. It suggests the person is not just smiling politely but also possesses a keen intellect or a hidden agenda. It is different from a simple or friendly "warm smile".

Is it appropriate to use "sharp smile" in formal writing?

Yes, "sharp smile" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when characterizing individuals in news reports, biographies, or fictional narratives. The key is to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and the character's portrayal. It can be a better option than more informal phrases like "cheeky grin", depending on the context.