As white as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As white as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare the color white to something else, often to emphasize purity or brightness. Example: "The snow was as white as freshly fallen cotton."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Arts

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I had one who complained because the whiteness wasn't as white as his shaving cream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hair as white as paper.

The New Yorker

The flower is as white as paper.

The New Yorker

It was as white as the walls.

The Guardian

He's as white as a sheet.

The New Yorker

Its flesh is as white as bone.

The New York Times - Food

"She's as white as she is black.

The New Yorker

Teeth are described as "white," as if we needed telling.

The New York Times - Books

The palms of his hands were as white as Dylan's.

The New Yorker

The audience is generally as white as the wine.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What began as white-as-black becomes black-as-white-as-black.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the simile "as white as", ensure the comparison enhances the description by selecting an object or substance that evokes the desired imagery, such as purity ("as white as snow"), fear ("as white as a ghost"), or cleanliness ("as white as a sheet").

Common error

Avoid relying solely on frequently used comparisons like "as white as snow" without considering if it's the most effective choice for your specific context. Opt for more creative or precise comparisons to enhance your writing, such as "as white as bleached linen" or "as white as Himalayan salt".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as white as" primarily functions as a simile, which is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using 'as' or 'like'. Ludwig examples show its use to describe color by comparing to objects like paper, bone, or snow. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

10%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Food

5%

Books

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as white as" is a common and grammatically sound simile used to describe something's color by comparing it to another white object or substance. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to vividly depict whiteness, often with added connotations like purity or starkness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and while it's generally acceptable, writers should aim for specificity and originality when selecting comparisons. By avoiding overused examples and choosing comparisons that align with the intended imagery, writers can enhance the impact of their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

White like snow

Focuses specifically on snow as the reference point for whiteness.

Snowy white

Uses snowy to indicate bright whiteness.

As pale as a ghost

Emphasizes the lack of color, often due to fear or illness, with a ghostly pallor.

White as a sheet

Compares whiteness to a bed sheet, suggesting purity or a stark absence of color.

Like a white cloud

Suggests a soft, bright whiteness reminiscent of clouds.

Ivory white

Uses "ivory" as a specific shade of white, often associated with elegance.

Chalk white

Compares whiteness to chalk, implying a matte and slightly dusty appearance.

Bone white

Associates whiteness with bone, which can suggest sterility or coldness.

Porcelain white

Implies a delicate, smooth, and refined whiteness, similar to porcelain.

Milky white

References the creamy, soft whiteness of milk.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as white as" is used to compare something's color to a white object or substance. For example, "The sails were as white as clouds", or "His face was as white as a sheet after the accident".

What's a good alternative to "as white as"?

Depending on the desired nuance, alternatives could include "white like snow", "pale as a ghost", or "ivory white".

Is it ever incorrect to use "as white as"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of common comparisons can make writing seem uninspired. Choosing a more specific and evocative comparison will almost always improve your work. For example consider the context: if describing teeth, 'as white as pearls' may be more descriptive.

What connotations does "as white as" often carry?

The phrase "as white as" can evoke images of purity (like "white as snow"), cleanliness, or even fear and shock (like "pale as a ghost") depending on the object of comparison.