sharpness of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharpness of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone’s clarity, precision, or acuity in thinking or reasoning. Example: "Her sharpness of thought allowed her to solve complex problems quickly and effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Brazilian, who had been absent since the opening day of the season, introduced guile and sharpness of thought, spreading play smartly and moving the ball with intent.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps they recalled the Janus-like brilliance of their late husband and father, his gentleness and his wildness; his charismatic charm and his unpredictability; the sharpness of his thoughts, and the drunkenness that blurred them.

The Guardian - Books

Sharpness and crispness in the logo design, clarity of thought and vision.

The Guardian - Music

"It's real people who distinguish themselves by the clarity of their thought and the sharpness of their wit".

The New York Times

He combined sharpness of mind, acuity,and curiosity for scientific thought, with the lyricism, poetic sensibility, and humility of a humanist.

Huffington Post

The influence of thought".

The New York Times - Tech

End of thought".

The New York Times - Magazine

Come, leaders of thought!

The New Yorker

A lot of thought.

Independent

Freedom of thought.

Forbes

It came from a move built on speed – the determination of Alexis Sánchez to instigate a move, quick thought to pick a brilliant pass, the enterprise of Héctor Bellerín to zip in a cross and the sharpness of Walcott to nip ahead of his marker to turn in the ball at Lee Grant's near post.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharpness of thought" when you want to emphasize the precision and clarity of someone's thinking, especially in situations requiring quick and effective problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "sharpness of thought" in very casual settings. Simpler phrases like "smart thinking" or "good idea" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharpness of thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a quality or characteristic related to cognitive ability. As evidenced by Ludwig, it’s found in contexts that discuss intellectual capabilities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharpness of thought" denotes intellectual acuity and is considered grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig. While relatively rare, its usage is most common in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a formal or semi-formal register. To diversify your writing, consider using alternatives like ""intellectual acuity"" or ""cognitive sharpness"", but be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate register and meaning. The phrase is best suited for scenarios where emphasizing the clarity and precision of thinking is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual sharpness

A direct synonym, emphasizing the sharp quality of intellect.

acuteness of intellect

This emphasizes the keenness and quickness of understanding.

intellectual acuity

Highlights the sharpness and clarity of mental perception.

mental keenness

Focuses on the sharpness and eagerness of the mind.

cognitive sharpness

Specifically relates to the sharpness of cognitive functions.

keenness of mind

Highlights the eagerness and sharpness of the mental faculty.

clarity of intellect

Emphasizes the clarity and lucidity of one's thinking.

perspicacity of thought

Highlights the ability to understand things clearly and quickly.

astuteness of mind

Emphasizes the shrewdness and perceptiveness of one's thinking.

mental agility

Focuses on the nimbleness and quickness of the mind.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "sharpness of thought"?

You might say they possess "intellectual acuity", are "astute", or demonstrate "cognitive sharpness".

What is the difference between "sharpness of thought" and intelligence?

"Sharpness of thought" specifically refers to the clarity and precision of thinking, while intelligence is a broader concept encompassing various cognitive abilities.

Is "sharpness of thought" a formal expression?

Yes, "sharpness of thought" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts.

What are some synonyms for "sharpness of thought" that are less formal?

Less formal synonyms include "quick thinking", "smart thinking", or "clear thinking".