as agonizing as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as agonizing as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the intensity of one experience to another, typically in a negative or painful context. Example: "Waiting for the results was as agonizing as watching paint dry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The first, starting in 1997, was heartbreaking, but she said it was not as agonizing as their current 10-month stalemate.

The New York Times

The so-called midmajors were offering excellent teams, but not enough of them to make the final hours of selection today as agonizing as in years past.

The New York Times - Sports

We must understand that this present conflict, as agonizing as the loss was, is about far more than the buildings collapsing and the people dying.

The New York Times

Fulminating tumors that can hemorrhage the womb or burst the intestine make death every bit as agonizing as it was for our great-grandmothers.

The New York Times - Health

The former All-Pro guard Dave Szott signed with the Washington Redskins yesterday, and the negotiations with the team were not nearly as agonizing as the ones with his wife.

The New York Times - Sports

So when the debilities of old age finally beset him, with his cat's brief span dooming us to a painfully early parting, the family debate about whether to end his life prematurely, or grant him the last full measure of sovereignty by allowing him to die in his own time, was as agonizing as anything we have known.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As agonizing week followed agonizing week, Mr. Rankin insisted he was as interested as anyone in moving things along.

The New York Times

The shrieks and sobbing of women and children are described by the survivors as agonizing".

The New Yorker

Several NBC executives described that decision as agonizing because "Smash" would have widely been deemed a highlight of the fall season.

The New York Times

But independent military budget analysts described the cuts, which would bring the Pentagon base budget back to 2007 levels, as agonizing but manageable.

The New York Times

As agonizing crushes can be, they're important to have.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as agonizing as", ensure you're comparing experiences or situations that genuinely evoke a similar level of distress. This strengthens the impact of your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "as agonizing as" in situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly unpleasant. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as agonizing as" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking two elements that share a similar level of intensity of suffering or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in comparing comparable experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as agonizing as" is a comparative phrase used to equate the intensity of two experiences, typically in a negative context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, predominantly in news and media sources. When writing, ensure you're genuinely comparing experiences of similar severity and avoid overuse to maintain impact. Alternatives like "equally excruciating to" or "just as painful as" can provide nuanced variations. Therefore, employing "as agonizing as" effectively requires careful consideration of context and the desired level of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally excruciating to

Focuses more directly on the physical or mental pain, implying a similar degree of torment.

just as painful as

Emphasizes the level of suffering involved, keeping the comparison straightforward.

no less distressing than

Highlights the emotional upset and worry caused by the situation.

as tormenting as

Uses a stronger word to amplify the feeling of being severely troubled or harassed.

as unbearable as

Indicates that the experience is extremely difficult to endure.

comparably agonizing to

Uses a more formal term for comparison, suggesting an equivalent degree of suffering.

equally bitter as

Focuses on the emotional pain and resentment associated with the experience.

just as harrowing as

Stresses the severely distressing and frightening nature of the experience.

as crushing as

Implies a sense of being overwhelmed and defeated by the intensity of the experience.

no easier than

Emphasizes the lack of ease or comfort, indicating a difficult and challenging situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "as agonizing as" to compare two similarly painful or distressing experiences. For instance, "The wait for the test results was "as agonizing as" reliving the event itself".

What are some alternatives to "as agonizing as"?

Alternatives include "equally excruciating to", "just as painful as", or "no less distressing than" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as agonizing as"?

Yes, the phrase "as agonizing as" is grammatically correct and follows the standard structure for comparative phrases in English. It's used to indicate that two things are equally agonizing.

What's the difference between "as agonizing as" and "very agonizing"?

"As agonizing as" compares two things, stating they are equally distressing. "Very agonizing" simply emphasizes the high degree of distress associated with a single thing, without making a comparison.