as annoying as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as annoying as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom used as a comparison to describe something that is especially irritating or bothersome. For example, "Your sister's singing was as annoying as nails scratching on a chalkboard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It wasn't as annoying as it sounds.

The New York Times - Arts

Not as annoying as the title.

The New Yorker

But as annoying as the comparisons are, this team still cannot get away from Kemba.

The New York Times

It's annoying, yes – but it is almost certainly not as annoying as receiving notifications.

The Guardian

Then again, someone constantly shouting SPOILER ALERT! can be almost as annoying as spoilers themselves.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But as annoying as all that is (and... it is), it's still very, very good indeed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My short answer was that I would end up being as annoying as he was.

The Guardian

FEW modern myths about art have been as persistent or as annoying as the so-called death of painting.

The New York Times - Arts

But as annoying as it is to be falling asleep by 9 p.m., I'll trade that for constant migraines hands down.

Harvard University

Aides press Mr. Obama about unemployment, taxes and foreign policy, and try to be "as annoying as a White House correspondent," as one put it.

The New York Times

There are few things as lovely as a freshly manicured lawn -- and few things as annoying as listening to it being mowed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as annoying as", ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to your audience to effectively convey the level of irritation. For instance, "His constant humming was as annoying as a mosquito buzzing in your ear."

Common error

Avoid relying on overused comparisons like "as annoying as nails on a chalkboard". Opt for fresher, more original comparisons that will resonate more strongly with your readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as annoying as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe the extent to which something is irritating by comparing it to something else that is also considered annoying. Ludwig provides many examples showing how this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as annoying as" is a frequently used comparative phrase that effectively conveys a subjective feeling of irritation. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its prevalence in news and media sources, as indicated by Ludwig's examples, highlights its versatility. To use it effectively, consider relating the comparison to something readily understandable by your audience, avoiding tired clichés for a fresher impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as irritating as

Replaces "annoying" with a direct synonym, maintaining the comparative structure and level of intensity.

as bothersome as

Substitutes "annoying" with another synonym that emphasizes the trouble caused.

as vexing as

Uses a slightly more formal synonym for "annoying", implying a higher degree of frustration.

as frustrating as

Focuses on the feeling of frustration caused by something, rather than just its irritating quality.

as aggravating as

Emphasizes the worsening effect of something, suggesting it makes a situation or feeling more intense.

as displeasing as

A more formal alternative that focuses on the lack of satisfaction caused by something.

as troublesome as

Highlights the difficulty or problems associated with something.

as unwelcome as

Focuses on the lack of acceptance or desirability of something.

as unbearable as

Indicates that something is extremely difficult to tolerate.

as offensive as

Suggests that something is causing strong negative feelings due to its nature or content.

FAQs

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

You can use "as annoying as" to compare the level of irritation caused by one thing to another. For example, "The traffic jam was "as annoying as" a telemarketer's call during dinner".

What are some alternatives to "as annoying as"?

Alternatives include "as irritating as", "as bothersome as", or "as vexing as", which offer similar meanings while varying the intensity and formality.

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

Yes, "as annoying as" is grammatically correct. It's a standard comparative construction used to describe something's irritating quality relative to something else.

What's the difference between "as annoying as" and "more annoying than"?

While both express irritation, "as annoying as" implies a similar level of annoyance, while "more annoying than" indicates a greater degree of irritation. The choice depends on the intended nuance of the comparison.