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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
sheer
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word 'sheer' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something as thin, delicate, or absolute, especially when it is used to describe fabric. Example sentence: The sheer curtains fluttered in the wind.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Travel
Opinion
Alternative expressions(9)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
He added that for sheer toughness it did not come close to the Tour de France.
News & Media
Just as I underestimated the sheer hard work involved in writing funny election columns, Cameron clearly thought being prime minister would be a lark, a breeze, and a wizard wheeze, something to chalk up on his business-class bucket list, along with getting a selfie with Helle Thorning-Schmidt and sucking the bass player from Blur's luxury cheese direct from the goat's teat.
News & Media
A cliff-top bar features thrones carved out of stone, gazing out over crashing waves next to a swimming pool perched on the edge of a sheer rock face, while steps lead down to a private sandy beach.
News & Media
BillyMills again: It's interesting that the Spanish chapter, which is not at all about flying, is the climax of the book; his experience of war seems to have moved his position a bit away from the solitary and towards the communal, and that is evidenced by the sheer number of other people who inhabit, indeed dominate, that chapter.
News & Media
To those of us who have toiled, often fruitlessly, over the past years on this issue, it is a huge achievement brought about by John Kerry, with sheer dogged determination, and the two leaders, by taking risks with their public opinion.
News & Media
But standing here, surrounded by this vast, incredible landscape, the sheer force of its existence slaps you in the face.
News & Media
The ABC is full of inadequacies, insider journalism and parochialism but the sheer range of its content across multiple platforms, reaching millions of Australians every day, is a key reason it must be defended against its opponents.
News & Media
With 25 brands in the stable, selling everything from denim to tailoring and sportswear, the sheer variety of Ralph Lauren means it has appeal across consumer groups.
News & Media
"So you're resting, are you?" they chortle, before grinning at the sheer brilliance of their repartee.
News & Media
Even if the sheer regularity of visits is taking its toll on some.
News & Media
"It's a sheer pleasure working on a show like this," said Dimbleby, who last night fronted the Question Time leaders' special, which garnered 4.1 million viewers.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid overuse of "sheer" in consecutive sentences. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "utter", "complete", or "absolute" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.
Common error
A common mistake is confusing "sheer" with "shear". "Sheer" describes thinness, steepness, or absoluteness, while "shear" means to cut or trim something. Ensure you use the correct word based on the intended meaning. For instance, use "sheer cliff" and not "shear cliff".
Source & Trust
97%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "sheer" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate qualities like thinness, steepness, or absoluteness. As Ludwig AI points out, it can describe fabric (e.g., "sheer dress") or emphasize a degree (e.g., "sheer genius"). It can also function as a verb or adverb, though these uses are less common.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Travel
15%
Opinion
10%
Less common in
Sport
5%
Books
5%
Lifestyle
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The word "sheer" is a versatile adjective used to describe transparency, steepness, or, more commonly, to emphasize the extent or degree of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, highlighting its function in adding intensity to descriptions. It's frequently found in news and media, travel writing, and opinion pieces, indicating its broad applicability. When using "sheer", remember to differentiate it from its homophone "shear", and consider alternatives like "utter" or "absolute" to avoid repetition. Understanding its diverse applications allows for more nuanced and impactful writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
utter
Emphasizes completeness or being absolute, similar to "sheer" when used to describe degree.
complete
Indicates totality or entirety, akin to "sheer" in expressing a full extent.
absolute
Highlights the lack of limitations or qualifications, resembling "sheer" in emphasizing purity.
transparent
Focuses on the ability to see through something, relating to "sheer" when describing thin materials.
downright
Stresses the unambiguous nature of something, similar to "sheer" when denoting bluntness.
steep
Highlights a sharp incline or declivity, equivalent to "sheer" when indicating verticality.
pure
Emphasizes the absence of impurities or mixtures, resembling "sheer" when describing unadulterated states.
mere
Underlines the insignificance or simplicity of something, like "sheer" in minimizing complexity.
unadulterated
Highlights the absence of modification or dilution, related to "sheer" when referring to purity.
unmitigated
Stresses the lack of alleviation or softening, similar to "sheer" in emphasizing absoluteness.
FAQs
How can I use "sheer" in a sentence?
You can use "sheer" to describe something thin or transparent, like "sheer curtains". It can also emphasize the degree of something, such as "sheer luck", or indicate steepness, like "sheer cliff".
What are some words similar to "sheer"?
Alternatives include "utter", "complete", or "absolute" when emphasizing degree. If referring to transparency, use "transparent".
When should I use "sheer" vs. "shear"?
"Sheer" describes something thin or steep. "Shear" means to cut or trim. For example, "sheer fabric" versus "shear sheep".
Is it correct to say "sheer amount"?
Yes, it is correct. The phrase "sheer amount" is used to emphasize the large quantity or extent of something. For instance, "The "sheer amount" of work was overwhelming".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
97%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested