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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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sheer

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

But standing here, surrounded by this vast, incredible landscape, the sheer force of its existence slaps you in the face.

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.

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.

"So you're resting, are you?" they chortle, before grinning at the sheer brilliance of their repartee.

News & Media

The Guardian

Even if the sheer regularity of visits is taking its toll on some.

News & Media

The Guardian

"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

The Guardian
Show more...

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".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very 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.

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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Source & Trust

97%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: