As appalling as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As appalling as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something to another thing that is considered shocking or terrible. Example: "The conditions in the factory were as appalling as those in the worst prisons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The ethics were nearly as appalling as the spelling and grammar.

The Economist

The gaffes are not as appalling as the Tories are making out.

The Economist

Maybe it's not as appalling as corporate behavior that is regularly fricasseed in this space.

The New York Times

But as appalling as human trafficking is, the deaths cannot be explained so easily.

The New York Times

"It doesn't taste as appalling as other things that look like that," chimed in another.

The New Yorker

Elsewhere, Roy just lets everything be as appalling as it was.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

This inspired a furious reaction from conservatives; Sarah Palin called the charges "false" and "appalling," as well as "regressive and diversionary".

The New Yorker

Farage described the leaders of the UK's three main parties as "truly appalling" people, "as dull as bloody ditchwater".

The Guardian

In fact there was an appalling snobbery as well.

BBC

That McEnroe is perceptive and intelligent as well as appalling makes him an interesting figure.

The Guardian - Books

The resulting sight was simultaneously as appalling and hilarious as you can possibly be imagining.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "As appalling as" to introduce a comparison where you want to emphasize the shocking or terrible nature of both elements. Ensure the comparison is clear and adds impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "As appalling as" when you only intend to express a general negative sentiment without a specific comparison. The phrase's strength lies in drawing a parallel between two shocking elements; without it, the statement loses its impact and may sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As appalling as" functions as a comparative conjunction, highlighting the shocking or terrible nature of something while introducing a parallel or contrasting element. Ludwig AI examples show its versatility in expressing strong disapproval and drawing comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "As appalling as" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to compare two shocking or terrible things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and identifies News & Media as its primary context. While versatile, it's crucial to use it when a clear comparison is intended to maximize its impact. Related phrases such as "as dreadful as" or "as shocking as" can be suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As dreadful as

Replaces "appalling" with "dreadful", suggesting something causing great fear or suffering.

As terrible as

Substitutes "appalling" with "terrible", indicating something extremely bad or serious.

As shocking as

Replaces "appalling" with "shocking", emphasizing the surprise and disbelief caused by something.

As horrific as

Substitutes "appalling" with "horrific", highlighting the horrifying nature of something.

As awful as

Replaces "appalling" with "awful", describing something very unpleasant.

As ghastly as

Substitutes "appalling" with "ghastly", implying something shockingly repulsive.

As atrocious as

Replaces "appalling" with "atrocious", indicating something extremely wicked or brutal.

As heinous as

Substitutes "appalling" with "heinous", highlighting the shockingly evil nature of something.

As abominable as

Replaces "appalling" with "abominable", suggesting something intensely disliked or hated.

As gruesome as

Substitutes "appalling" with "gruesome", highlighting repulsiveness and repulsiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "As appalling as" in a sentence?

Use "As appalling as" to compare two equally shocking or terrible things. For example, "As appalling as the crime was, the cover-up was even worse."

What are some alternatives to "As appalling as"?

You can use alternatives like "as dreadful as", "as terrible as", or "as shocking as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "As appalling as it is"?

Yes, "As appalling as it is" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction. It often introduces a contrasting idea or acceptance of a difficult situation. For example, "As appalling as it is, we must accept the outcome."

What's the difference between "As appalling as" and "Although it's appalling"?

"As appalling as" sets up a comparison or introduces a contrasting element, whereas "Although it's appalling" simply acknowledges something is terrible. The former is comparative, while the latter is a direct statement of opinion.