sharp whistle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp whistle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high-pitched, clear sound made by a whistle, often used in contexts like sports, signaling, or attention-grabbing. Example: "The coach blew a sharp whistle to signal the end of the practice session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A sharp whistle.

The New York Times

At the pool, lifeguards kept up an irregular rhythm of sharp whistle blasts.

The New York Times

He would rise from his chair on the veranda and as soon as he stepped into the clearing he'd hear a sharp whistle that signalled "He's moving".

The New Yorker

A taxi came into view, and the sharp whistle sounded a third time, cutting though the rumble and clatter of passing trucks as the taxi screeched to a stop.

The New York Times

The race began with a sharp whistle, starting the cyclists on the first of 16 laps around a three-quarter-mile course running in a rough rectangle along Columbia, Van Dyke and Richards Streets.

The New York Times

At the border Thursday, a sharp whistle signaled the advance of riot police into a crowd of Kurds protesting Turkey's refusal to allow volunteers to return to Kobani to fight the militants.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When alarmed, marmots emit a sharp, piercing whistle and scurry to their burrows if danger persists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Individuals often soar high overhead, where they attract attention with sharp, whistled calls.

Cornell University

Vocalizations are birdlike, and these sharp whistling calls are emitted upon the approach of predators.

Britannica

Then we hear sharp whistles and see a man with a pack of dogs hunting springbok.

The Guardian - Travel

You play as one of three spacemen guiding a herds of Pikmin, compliant, ant-like creatures, around the world with sharp whistles, collecting fruit, unearthing long-lost human technologies from the soil, and travelling deeper into unknown territory.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp whistle" to describe a sound that is both high-pitched and sudden, often used to signal or grab attention. Ensure the context aligns with the sound's intended purpose, such as in sports, safety warnings, or specific animal calls.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp whistle" in contexts where a softer or more melodic sound is desired. The term implies urgency and a potentially jarring sound, which may not be appropriate for every situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp whistle" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'sharp' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'whistle'. Ludwig's examples show it describing a specific type of sound, often used for signaling or drawing attention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp whistle" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, describing a sudden, high-pitched sound that is often used for signaling or grabbing attention. According to Ludwig AI, it’s recognized as correct and usable in writing. While "sharp whistle" isn't very common, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. Alternatives like "piercing whistle" or "shrill whistle" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, consider the connotations of urgency and potential jarring sound to ensure it aligns with the intended message. Overall, "sharp whistle" serves as a descriptive noun phrase that paints a clear sonic image in various narrative and descriptive scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piercing whistle

Emphasizes the high-pitched and penetrating quality of the whistle sound.

shrill whistle

Highlights the high and often unpleasant tone of the whistle.

penetrating whistle

Similar to "piercing", it emphasizes the whistle's ability to cut through other sounds.

loud whistle

Focuses on the high volume of the whistle.

clear whistle

Highlights the clarity and distinctness of the whistle sound.

high-pitched whistle

Directly describes the frequency of the sound.

distinct whistle

Emphasizes the unique and easily recognizable nature of the whistle.

crisp whistle

Highlights the clarity and sharpness of the whistle sound.

sudden whistle

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the whistle.

brief whistle

Emphasizes the short duration of the whistle sound.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp whistle" to describe a sudden, high-pitched sound, such as: "The referee blew a sharp whistle to stop the game" or "A sharp whistle signaled the start of the race."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "piercing whistle", "shrill whistle", or "clear whistle". Each highlights a different aspect of the sound.

Is "sharp whistle" formal or informal?

"Sharp whistle" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive or narrative writing than in highly technical documents.

What does "sharp" mean in the context of "sharp whistle"?

In this context, "sharp" refers to the sudden, piercing, and often high-pitched nature of the whistle sound. It emphasizes the quick and attention-grabbing quality of the sound.