as a sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a sight" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without additional context.
It could potentially be used in a context where one is describing something visually or as a visual experience, but it is not standard. Example: "The sunset was breathtaking, as a sight that left everyone in awe."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

(Mr. Gomes appears in the film, and his brick of a screenplay is deployed as a sight gag).

The New York Times

Events Viewing cherry blossoms -- and all the revelry accompanying it -- is as much a happening as a sight.

The New York Times - Travel

Whereas a schema or image represents a specific experience, such as a sight or sound, a symbol is an arbitrary representation of an event.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The host, Chris Rock, brought three Asian-American children onstage to serve as a sight gag in a joke made at their expense.

The New York Times

Watson hadn't put the scope on this one, so I looked down the length of the barrel and used a little metal spur as a sight.

The New York Times - Magazine

But since this is a mostly black and white show, this drawing, done predominately in lime green, serves as a sight for color-deprived eyes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But no matter how you do the math and as every frequent flier knows, an empty seat is as rare a sight as a free meal on most domestic flights.

The New York Times

It was as sorry a sight as Ricky Ponting being yorked off his feet by Jacques Kallis 15 months ago and no more dignified.

The Guardian - Sport

Hopefully someday series like this one will be as commonplace a sight as a heavily Photoshopped girl in a bikini.

Huffington Post

The array of preserved squirrels, moles, voles and the like is as much a sight as the mounted red fox.

Los Angeles Times

Out here in windy, sun-baked Victorville, underhanded swindles are about as common a sight as the as the tumbleweeds blowing around the Mojave Desert.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a sight", ensure the context clearly indicates a visual experience to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what the visual element is: "The fireworks were impressive, as a sight to behold."

Common error

Avoid using "as a sight" in contexts where a more precise term would improve understanding. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound less clear. For instance, instead of saying "the car served as a sight gag", it is much better to say "the car was a sight gag".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a sight" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which something is perceived or experienced, relating to vision. The phrase indicates that something is being considered or used from a visual perspective, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a sight" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something from a visual perspective, often functioning as an adverbial modifier. While grammatically acceptable, it may not always be the most precise choice, and alternatives like "as a spectacle" or "visually" could be more effective in enhancing clarity. The Ludwig AI confirms that, even if acceptable, is not the most common way to express a visual aspect. It is prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources, with a neutral register. Consider using more direct and descriptive options for improved precision and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a spectacle

Emphasizes the visual display or public show aspect.

as a vision

Highlights the dreamlike or imaginative quality of the visual experience.

as a view

Focuses on the range or scope of what is visible.

as a scene

Draws attention to the setting or context of the visual.

as a panorama

Implies a wide and comprehensive visual display.

as an image

Highlights the captured or remembered representation of something.

as a perspective

Emphasizes the viewpoint or angle from which something is seen.

as an appearance

Focuses on the way something looks or presents itself visually.

as a glimpse

Highlights a brief or fleeting visual impression.

as an outlook

Highlights the visual prospect or range.

FAQs

What does "as a sight" mean?

"As a sight" generally refers to something that is visually perceived or experienced. It can describe something that is worth seeing or something that is used for visual purposes, such as a sight gag in comedy.

What can I say instead of "as a sight"?

You can use alternatives like "as a spectacle", "as a vision", or "visually" depending on the context. These alternatives provide more direct and descriptive ways to express the same idea.

Is "as a sight" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as a sight" is grammatically acceptable but not always the most precise or common phrasing. It's important to ensure the context clearly relates to a visual experience to avoid any ambiguity.

How can I improve my writing when using "as a sight"?

To improve your writing, consider using more direct and descriptive alternatives like "as a spectacle" or "visually". Ensure that the context makes it clear that you're referring to a visual experience.