Sharply vs Brusquely: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Have you ever wondered if you should use the word “sharply” or “brusquely” in your writing? While both words convey a sense of abruptness, they are not interchangeable.

Sharply is the proper word to use when you want to describe something that is sudden or precise. It can also mean something that is keen or intense. On the other hand, brusquely is used to describe something that is blunt or curt. It can also mean something that is abrupt or rude.

In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly in your writing.

Define Sharply

Sharply is an adverb that describes an action done in a sudden, quick, or abrupt manner. It is often used to convey a sense of precision or accuracy in the execution of a task or the delivery of a message. For example, a surgeon might make a sharply incisive cut during a surgical procedure, or a speaker might deliver a sharply worded critique of a political policy.

Define Brusquely

Brusquely is an adverb that describes an action done in a blunt, curt, or rude manner. It is often used to convey a sense of impatience or disdain for the person or situation being addressed. For example, a customer service representative might respond brusquely to a customer who is asking a repetitive or obvious question, or a boss might speak brusquely to an employee who has made a mistake.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make a huge difference in how your message is perceived. Two words that are often confused are “sharply” and “brusquely.” While they may seem similar, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. In this section, we will explore how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Sharply” In A Sentence

“Sharply” is an adverb that means “in a sudden or abrupt manner.” It is often used to describe a sudden change or a sudden movement. Here are some examples:

• The stock market fell sharply after the announcement.
• The car swerved sharply to avoid hitting the pedestrian.
• The temperature dropped sharply overnight.

As you can see, “sharply” is used to describe something that happens suddenly or abruptly. It can also be used to describe something that is precise or well-defined. For example:

• The knife was sharpened sharply to a fine point.
• The dress was tailored sharply to fit her figure.

How To Use “Brusquely” In A Sentence

“Brusquely” is an adverb that means “in an abrupt or blunt manner.” It is often used to describe someone’s tone or manner of speaking. Here are some examples:

• The customer was taken aback by the salesperson’s brusque attitude.
• The boss spoke brusquely to his employees when he was in a bad mood.
• The teacher answered the student’s question brusquely, without explaining the answer.

As you can see, “brusquely” is used to describe someone who is abrupt or blunt in their communication. It can also be used to describe an action that is rough or abrupt. For example:

• The door was slammed brusquely, causing the picture on the wall to shake.
• The dog was pulled brusquely by its leash, causing it to yelp.

Overall, it’s important to use the right words in the right context to ensure that your message is clear and effective. By understanding the difference between “sharply” and “brusquely,” you can use these words to convey your message more effectively.

More Examples Of Sharply & Brusquely Used In Sentences

Using the words “sharply” and “brusquely” can add a layer of detail to your writing, indicating the tone and manner in which a person is speaking or acting. Here are some examples of how to use these words in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Sharply In A Sentence

• She sharply criticized his work, pointing out every flaw.
• The teacher sharply rebuked the student for cheating on the test.
• He spoke sharply to the waiter, demanding to know why his food was taking so long.
• The CEO sharply cut the budget, resulting in layoffs and reduced services.
• She turned sharply on her heel and stormed out of the room.
• He sharply disagreed with her opinion, arguing that it was based on faulty logic.
• The dog barked sharply, warning its owner of an approaching stranger.
• The car swerved sharply to avoid hitting a deer in the road.
• She raised her eyebrow sharply, indicating her skepticism.
• He sighed sharply, expressing his frustration with the situation.

Examples Of Using Brusquely In A Sentence

• He answered the phone brusquely, annoyed at being interrupted.
• The doctor spoke brusquely to the nurse, ordering her to prepare the patient for surgery.
• She gave him a brusque nod, indicating that she didn’t want to talk.
• The receptionist brusquely told him that he would have to wait his turn.
• He brusquely dismissed her idea, saying that it was impractical.
• She handed him the report brusquely, indicating that she was unhappy with his work.
• The boss spoke to his employees in a brusque tone, indicating his impatience.
• He brusquely pushed past her, not bothering to say excuse me.
• She hung up the phone brusquely, angry at the person on the other end.
• The customer service representative answered the complaint brusquely, not offering any solutions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words that convey a sudden or swift action, “sharply” and “brusquely” are two commonly interchanged words. However, using them interchangeably is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning.

Using “Sharply” And “Brusquely” Interchangeably

One common mistake people make is using “sharply” and “brusquely” interchangeably. While both words convey a sudden or swift action, they have different connotations and are used in different contexts.

“Sharply” is used to describe a sudden or swift action that is done with precision or accuracy. For example, “She sharply turned the corner on her bike” or “He sharply criticized the new policy proposal.”

“Brusquely,” on the other hand, is used to describe a sudden or swift action that is done in a blunt or curt manner. For example, “He brusquely dismissed her suggestion” or “She brusquely told him to leave.”

Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning. For example, saying “She brusquely turned the corner on her bike” would imply that she turned the corner in a blunt or curt manner, which may not be the intended meaning.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the connotations and contexts in which these words are used. Here are some tips:

• Use “sharply” when describing a sudden or swift action that is done with precision or accuracy
• Use “brusquely” when describing a sudden or swift action that is done in a blunt or curt manner
• Consider the intended meaning and connotation of each word before using them interchangeably

By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your writing is clear and effective.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the adverbs “sharply” and “brusquely,” context is everything. These two words may seem interchangeable at first glance, but their subtle differences can have a significant impact on the meaning of a sentence.

Shades Of Meaning

While both “sharply” and “brusquely” imply a sudden or abrupt action, the former tends to connote a more precise or deliberate movement, while the latter can carry a negative connotation of rudeness or impatience.

For example, consider the following sentence:

• “She turned sharply to avoid the pothole in the road.”
• “She turned brusquely to ignore the salesman at the door.”

In the first sentence, “sharply” emphasizes the precision of the turn, while in the second sentence, “brusquely” suggests a lack of patience or consideration for the salesman.

Contextual Examples

Here are a few more examples of how the choice between “sharply” and “brusquely” might change depending on the context:

Context	Example Sentence
Physical Movement	“He sharply turned the steering wheel to avoid the oncoming car.”
Speech or Tone	“She spoke brusquely to the waiter when he got her order wrong.”
Behavior or Action	“The boss sharply criticized the employee for not meeting the deadline.”
Emotional Response	“He brusquely dismissed her concerns about the project.”

As you can see, the choice between “sharply” and “brusquely” can depend on a variety of factors, including the type of action being described and the emotional tone of the sentence. By paying attention to these subtle nuances, you can choose the right word to convey your intended meaning and tone.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “sharply” and “brusquely” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply.

When “Sharply” Can Be Used Instead Of “Brusquely”

In some cases, “sharply” can be used instead of “brusquely” to convey a similar meaning. This is particularly true when describing a sudden or quick action that may come across as abrupt or rude. For example:

• “She sharply told him to leave the room.”
• “He sharply criticized her work.”

In these cases, “sharply” is used to indicate the sudden or quick nature of the action, which could be interpreted as being brusque.

When “Brusquely” Can Be Used Instead Of “Sharply”

Conversely, there are also cases where “brusquely” can be used instead of “sharply” to convey a similar meaning. This is particularly true when describing a tone of voice or mannerism that is blunt and lacking in tact. For example:

• “He brusquely dismissed her question.”
• “She spoke brusquely to the customer.”

In these cases, “brusquely” is used to indicate the blunt and tactless nature of the tone or mannerism, which could be interpreted as being sharp.

Overall, while there are some exceptions where the rules for using “sharply” and “brusquely” might not apply, these instances are relatively rare. In most cases, it is best to follow the general guidelines for using these words to ensure clear and effective communication.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between “sharply” and “brusquely”, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and choose the correct word for each sentence.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

Sentence	Word Choice
He spoke __________ to his employees when they made a mistake.	brusquely
The teacher __________ corrected the student’s grammar.	sharply
She __________ turned down the job offer.	brusquely
The conductor __________ signaled the musicians to start playing.	sharply

Answer Key:

• He spoke brusquely to his employees when they made a mistake.
• The teacher sharply corrected the student’s grammar.
• She brusquely turned down the job offer.
• The conductor sharply signaled the musicians to start playing.

Exercise 2

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

1. She __________ told him that she was not interested in going on a second date.
2. The CEO __________ reprimanded the employee for being late to the meeting.
3. The doctor __________ asked the patient about their medical history.

Answer Key:

• She brusquely told him that she was not interested in going on a second date.
• The CEO sharply reprimanded the employee for being late to the meeting.
• The doctor sharply asked the patient about their medical history.

By completing these practice exercises, you should have a better understanding of how to use “sharply” and “brusquely” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the tone and context of the situation to determine which word is the most appropriate to use.

Conclusion

After examining the differences between “sharply” and “brusquely,” it is clear that these two adverbs have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing and speech.

Some key takeaways from this article include:

• “Sharply” is often used to describe a sudden or intense action or change, while “brusquely” typically refers to a rude or abrupt manner of speaking or acting.
• It is important to consider the connotations of each word when deciding which to use in a particular context.
• Using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence and make the writer or speaker appear uneducated or careless.

As with any aspect of language use, it is important to continue learning and improving one’s skills. By studying grammar and expanding one’s vocabulary, writers and speakers can communicate more effectively and confidently.