very sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very sharp" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that has a keen edge or point, or to indicate a high level of intelligence or acuteness. For example, "The knife is very sharp, making it easy to cut through the meat." Alternative expressions include "extremely sharp" and "highly sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very sharp.

The New Yorker

"She's very sharp".

The Guardian - Film

Sharp, very sharp".

Independent

Very sharp, very clean".

The New Yorker

He was very sharp.

The Guardian - Sport

It's very sharp.

The Guardian

Her eyes were very sharp.

The New York Times

And she is very sharp.

Independent

People are very sharp.

The Guardian - Film

A very sharp cookie.

The Guardian - Music

Charlotte was very sharp.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's intelligence, use "very sharp" to indicate quick understanding and perceptive thinking. This is especially effective in informal or conversational contexts.

Common error

While "very sharp" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound less sophisticated. Opt for alternatives like "extremely keen" or "highly perceptive" in academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very sharp" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree of keenness, intelligence, or acuity. Ludwig examples show it describing both physical sharpness (e.g., a knife) and mental sharpness (e.g., a person's intellect).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very sharp" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something with a keen edge or a high level of intelligence. Ludwig's examples confirm its use across various contexts, especially in news and media. While its register is generally neutral to informal, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. The phrase effectively emphasizes the quality of sharpness, whether physical or mental. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely keen

Emphasizes the intensity of sharpness or intelligence.

incredibly acute

Highlights the intensity and precision of perception or sharpness.

highly perceptive

Focuses on the ability to understand things quickly and accurately.

exceptionally astute

Emphasizes intelligence and quick-wittedness.

strikingly insightful

Emphasizes the depth and clarity of understanding.

particularly clever

Emphasizes ingenuity and quickness of mind.

razor-sharp

Highlights the cutting ability, literally or figuratively.

remarkably intelligent

Shifts focus directly to the intelligence aspect.

distinctly discerning

Highlights the ability to distinguish subtle differences.

noticeably witty

Focuses on the humorous and intelligent aspect of sharpness.

FAQs

How can I use "very sharp" in a sentence?

You can use "very sharp" to describe something with a keen edge, like "This knife is very sharp", or someone intelligent and quick-witted, such as "She's a very sharp student".

What are some alternatives to "very sharp"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely keen", "highly perceptive", or "razor-sharp" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "very sharp" in writing?

"Very sharp" is appropriate in informal and conversational writing. For more formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "exceptionally astute" or "remarkably intelligent".

What does it mean when someone is described as "very sharp"?

Describing someone as "very sharp" typically means they are intelligent, quick-thinking, and perceptive. It can also imply they are witty or have a keen understanding of things.