sharp-set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp-set" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is eager, determined, or focused, often in a competitive context. Example: "With a sharp-set expression, she entered the room ready to tackle the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Gilpin and Ms. Sharp set about their plan.

The New York Times

Bintley lays out the social distinctions of 19th-century Salford life in scalpel-sharp set pieces.

The Guardian

chantoosie -- female singer (chanteuse); "Chantoosie Barbra Streisand has a warm and sharp set of pipes".

The New York Times

Ordinarily, we would love to see a sharp set of eyes from the opposing party keeping close tabs on the Suozzi administration.

The New York Times

Not on this sharp set, led by an under-recorded drummer whose enthusiasm generates an explosive turn from the tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland.

The New Yorker

And on Saturday night the Fiery Furnaces came to Hiro Ballroom to play a short, sharp set that still felt like too much.

The New York Times - Arts

The intriguing emphasis in this Sonnet Repertory Theater production is supported by a sharp set designed by Seth Easter, a ground-floor chamber in a once-ornate mansion now falling apart.

The New York Times

Prosecutors from nine states today criticized the Bush administration as settling too leniently with Microsoft in its antitrust case and asked a federal judge to impose a sharp set of business restrictions on the company.

The New York Times

Irish Museum Of Modern Art, to 31 Oct RC After three years of artists' projects in Oxford's Rosehill estate, Modern Art Oxford's parting kiss to the area comes with a sharp set of teeth – steel "ripper teeth", to be exact.

The Guardian - Arts

Expect Mr. Howells to spin a sharp set that alternates between uplifting house music and severe techno, but the main draw is Mr. Tenaglia (the club's Friday night resident), who is sure to spin one of the energetic marathon sets he's known for, using house music as a starting point.

The New York Times

Even in those early years, Robyn's voice is knowing and sharp; setting up her own label in the 2000s, Konichiwa, would see her develop her style further.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp-set" to describe a strong appetite or desire, particularly when implying a degree of desperation or intensity. Note that the usage is relatively uncommon in contemporary English.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp-set" when a milder term like "eager" or "interested" suffices. This phrase carries a connotation of hunger or intense desire that may be inappropriate in many contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sharp-set" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe a state of eagerness, hunger, or strong desire. Ludwig AI provides an example of it describing an animal's appetite.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp-set" functions as an adjective to describe a strong desire or hunger. While grammatically correct, it is relatively rare in contemporary English. According to Ludwig AI, "sharp-set" is typically used to describe someone who is eager, determined, or focused, often in a competitive context. Though examples can be found in news media, science, and wikis, its usage may sound archaic in everyday speech. If aiming for a more modern tone, alternatives like "eager", "determined", or "focused" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager

Emphasizes enthusiasm and anticipation, rather than intense focus or hunger.

keen

Indicates enthusiasm and interest, but less intense than "sharp-set".

determined

Highlights resolve and purposefulness, lacking the sense of craving.

avid

Suggests eagerness and enthusiasm, particularly for hobbies or interests.

intent

Focuses on purpose and resolve, often implying a fixed plan.

focused

Stresses concentration and attentiveness, missing the element of strong desire.

hungry

Directly relates to a desire for food or something else, lacking the nuance of eagerness.

motivated

Implies a drive and willingness to work towards a goal, missing the nuance of craving or hunger.

ravenous

Specifically implies extreme hunger or greed, often literal.

goal-oriented

Highlights a focus on achieving specific goals, rather than a general eagerness.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp-set" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp-set" to describe someone who is very hungry or has a strong desire for something, such as "The lion was sharp-set after days without prey".

What can I say instead of "sharp-set"?

You can use alternatives like "eager", "ravenous", or "determined" depending on the context.

Is "sharp-set" formal or informal?

"Sharp-set" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's less common in modern usage, and therefore could feel somewhat archaic in everyday conversation.

Which is correct, "sharp-set" or "sharply set"?

"Sharp-set" is a recognized adjective. "Sharply set" might work in different contexts to describe how something is placed, but it is not interchangeable with "sharp-set".