sharper and sharper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharper and sharper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is becoming increasingly sharp, whether literally (like a knife) or metaphorically (like a person's intellect or wit). Example: "As the debate progressed, her arguments became sharper and sharper, leaving her opponent struggling to keep up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"We're getting sharper and sharper".

The New York Times - Sports

She just gets sharper and sharper.

The Guardian - Arts

They got sharper and sharper in Ray Horton's system.

The New York Times

"He was getting sharper and sharper and fitter and fitter with every game.

The Times

During the years while I was making this film, I felt like I was getting sharper and sharper instead.

The New York Times

And as the order of the Butterworth filter, capital N, increases, the transition from the pass band to the stop band becomes sharper and sharper.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Theoretically, an array can represent any kind of split (non-sharp and sharp).

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering

Form of…a strategic LCD alliance wherein Toshiba buys LCD panels from Sharp and Sharp buys semiconductors from Toshiba!" The actual meeting may very well have gone differently than that, but you get the idea.

TechCrunch

"A turnaround solution for Sharp is not out of the question, but it will need sharper minds, sharper products and a sharper focus on cash management, which the bailout banks could just provide".

BBC

The Kumaraswamy probability distribution function is then used to describe the normalised data obtained following First Break milling of a wide range of wheat at different roll gaps under both Sharp-to-Sharp and Dull-to-Dull roll dispositions.

Powder Technology

For example, ABA limits ethylene production in water-stressed plants (Sharp 2002; Sharp and Lenoble 2002), whereas ethylene antagonizes stomatal response to ABA under oxidative stress (Wilkinson and Davies 2009).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the development of an argument or skill, use "sharper and sharper" to convey a sense of continuous improvement and refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "sharper and sharper" when a simpler adjective like "sharp" or "clear" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or unnatural. Instead, consider the context and choose the most concise and impactful word.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharper and sharper" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often implicitly) to indicate a progressive increase in acuity or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharper and sharper" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase that denotes a progressive increase in sharpness, whether literal or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia sources, indicating a neutral to professional register. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. Related phrases like "increasingly sharp" or "more and more acute" can provide variety and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly sharp

Emphasizes the gradual increase in sharpness, directly replacing the comparative structure.

growing sharper

A slightly simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

more and more acute

Uses "acute" as a synonym for "sharp", highlighting the growing intensity.

steadily sharpening

Replaces the comparative phrase with a continuous verb form, indicating ongoing refinement.

progressively clearer

Shifts the focus to clarity, a common metaphorical application of "sharpness".

becoming more defined

Highlights the process of something taking on a more distinct form.

gradually intensifying

Focuses on the increasing intensity of a feeling, quality, or effect.

ever more refined

Emphasizes the continuous process of improvement and sophistication.

continually honing

Implies a deliberate process of making something sharper or more effective.

sharpening incrementally

Highlights the small, gradual steps in the process of becoming sharper.

FAQs

How can I use "sharper and sharper" in a sentence?

You can use "sharper and sharper" to describe a gradual increase in sharpness, whether literal (like a knife's edge) or metaphorical (like someone's wit). For example: "As the debate progressed, her arguments became "sharper and sharper".

What are some alternatives to "sharper and sharper"?

Alternatives include "increasingly sharp", "more and more acute", or "steadily sharpening", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "sharper and sharper"?

While it might seem repetitive, "sharper and sharper" emphasizes a continuous and progressive increase in sharpness, which a single adjective might not convey as effectively.

Can "sharper and sharper" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "sharper and sharper" is appropriate for formal writing, as demonstrated by its use in news articles and academic texts. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and style of your piece.