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As sharp as a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "as sharp as a" is correct and usable in written English
It is used when you want to compare something to an object that has a particularly sharp quality. For example, "Her wit was as sharp as a tack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

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

Everything was as sharp as a knife.

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

He is as sharp as a tack.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"She was as sharp as a tack.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Mr. Slinger was as sharp as a tack.

News & Media

The New York Times - Books

The material was about as sharp as a bowling ball.

News & Media

The New York Times

An example: "This one is as sharp as a basketball".

News & Media

The New York Times

The reef is as sharp as a cheese grater.

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

Pao Ding's vision was as sharp as a knife; my father's was as sharp as a knife and as accurate as a scale.

News & Media

The New Yorker

By all accounts his legal brain remained as sharp as a pin.

News & Media

The Economist

Yes, she's about as sharp as a wet balloon, but we already know that.

News & Media

The New York Times

We say, "She's as sharp as a tack," or "You're not too smart, are you?

News & Media

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "as sharp as a" to vividly describe someone's intelligence or the intensity of a sensation. Be mindful of the object you're comparing to (e.g., "tack", "knife", "razor") and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning for maximum impact.

⚠ Common error

While "as sharp as a tack" is common, overuse can diminish its impact. Try to find more original comparisons that better reflect the specific context, such as "as sharp as a scalpel" in a medical context or "as sharp as a broken glass" to portray danger.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sharp as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe the degree to which something possesses the quality of being sharp, comparing it to a specific object known for its sharpness. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to modify nouns describing both physical objects and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

⚠ Less common in

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as sharp as a" is a common and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to emphasize the degree of sharpness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of choosing a relevant and impactful comparison object. While "as sharp as a tack" is a common choice, consider more original comparisons to enhance the descriptive impact. Alternatives include phrases such as "highly intelligent" or "razor-sharp wit", depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a keen edge

This alternative maintains the sharpness metaphor but uses 'edge' instead of a direct comparison.

razor-sharp wit

Emphasizes the quick and cutting nature of someone's humor, adding a specific context.

quick-witted

Describes someone's ability to think and respond rapidly, simplifying the figurative comparison.

extremely astute

Highlights the perceptiveness and discernment, differing from the common comparative structure.

exceptionally clever

Emphasizes intelligence and ingenuity, differing in word choice and structure.

remarkably perceptive

Focuses on the ability to understand things quickly and accurately, lacking the explicit comparison.

More alternative expressions(6)

as sudden as a

as dizzying as a

as substantial as a

as notable as a

as drastic as a

as crisp as a

FAQs

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

You can use "as sharp as a" to describe something that is acutely intelligent, keenly perceptive, or intensely felt. For example, "Her mind was "as sharp as a razor"", or "The pain was "as sharp as a scalpel"".

What are some alternatives to saying "as sharp as a"?

Alternatives include "highly intelligent", "extremely astute", or "quick-witted", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "as sharp as a"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In formal writing, more direct and less figurative language might be preferable. In creative writing, the phrase can add vividness.

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

It typically means the person is very intelligent, clever, and quick-witted. The comparison to a tack emphasizes their mental acuity and ability to grasp things quickly.

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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

92%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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As sharp as aGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

As sharp as a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples