What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crisp
Example
The apple was crisp and juicy. [crisp: adjective]
Example
I love going for a walk on a crisp autumn day. [crisp: adjective]
Example
She wore a crisp white shirt to the job interview. [crisp: adjective]
sharp
Example
Be careful with that knife, it's very sharp. [sharp: adjective]
Example
The bird's call was a sharp whistle. [sharp: noun]
Example
He made a sharp observation about the situation. [sharp: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sharp is more commonly used than crisp in everyday language. Sharp is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while crisp is less common and is often associated with specific contexts such as food or weather.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crisp and sharp?
Both crisp and sharp can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sharp is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.