sharper than

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharper than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things, for example: "The new knife was sharper than the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'Sharper Than Ever', huh?

TechCrunch

Sharper than a serpent's tooth, indeed.

The Economist

Voters are sharper than such prescriptions allow.

The Economist

Martin looks sharper than ever.

The New York Times - Sports

You can't get sharper than whiteness.

The Guardian

Some losses, however, are sharper than others.

The New York Times

A mind sharper than a huntsman's axe.

The Guardian

You're sharper than Jim (maybe) but dull next to Jane.

The New York Times - Health

HOW sharper than a serpent's tooth is a thankless stockmarket.

The Economist

She's sharper than a safety pin and genuinely funny".

Independent

Yet my character was more decisive and sharper than hers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sharper than" to describe intelligence or wit, ensure the context is appropriate and the comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "sharper than" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language like "more incisive than" or "of greater acuity than" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharper than" functions as a comparative, used to indicate that one thing possesses a greater degree of sharpness compared to another. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharper than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to indicate a greater degree of sharpness, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, particularly in news and media, science, and general writing. While suitable for many contexts, more formal writing might benefit from substituting more refined alternatives like "more acute than" or "of greater acuity than". Keep in mind that when you need to assess intelligence or wit, ensure you offer an appropriate comparison and clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

More acute than

Replaces "sharper" with "acute", emphasizing keenness or severity.

More incisive than

Substitutes "sharper" with "incisive", highlighting directness and effectiveness.

More cutting than

Uses "cutting" instead of "sharper", suggesting a more forceful or critical comparison.

More honed than

Replaces "sharper" with "honed", focusing on refinement and precision.

More piercing than

Emphasizes the penetrating quality of the comparison.

More keen than

Utilizes "keen" as a synonym for "sharp", indicating eagerness or enthusiasm.

More refined than

Implies a comparison of elegance or sophistication.

Of greater intensity than

Changes the structure to focus on intensity instead of sharpness.

Of a higher caliber than

Emphasizes superiority in quality or ability.

Surpassing in acuity

Formal alternative, highlighting a surpassing degree of sharpness.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharper than" to compare the degree of sharpness between two objects or concepts. For example, "His wit was "sharper than" a razor" or "The new blade is "sharper than" the old one".

What are some synonyms for "sharper than"?

Some synonyms for "sharper than" include "more acute than", "more incisive than", or "more honed than" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "sharper than" in formal writing?

While "sharper than" is grammatically correct, it may be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "more refined than" or "of greater intensity than" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "sharper than" and "more acute than"?

"Sharper than" generally refers to a physical edge or metaphorical keenness. "More acute than" often implies a higher degree of sensitivity or understanding. While they can be interchangeable, "more acute than" might be preferred when describing intellectual or sensory perception.