as appalling as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as appalling as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of something that is shocking or terrible to another thing that is also shocking or terrible. Example: "The conditions in the factory were as appalling as those in the worst sweatshops around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The surprise is that he finds today's Russia as appalling as the old one.

The New Yorker

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

Kelley's play is as appalling and bleak as it is funny.

The Guardian - Arts

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

The New Yorker

That we caused the downgrading of U.S. government securities, as well as appalling disorder and confusion in financial markets?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as appalling as" to emphasize the magnitude of a negative situation or action, helping your audience understand the severity of the issue you're discussing.

Common error

Avoid using "as appalling as" when describing something that is merely disappointing or undesirable. This phrase is reserved for truly shocking or terrible situations; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as appalling as" functions as a comparative, specifically highlighting that two subjects share a similar degree of negativity or horribleness. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's often used to equate the severity of different situations, emphasizing the magnitude of something negative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as appalling as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative expression used to equate the shocking or terrible nature of two different subjects. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register despite the negative connotation of "appalling". Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for use in formal and informal writing, provided the context genuinely warrants such a strong comparison. Related alternatives include "equally dreadful as" and "just as awful as". When employing this phrase, ensure that the comparison is both accurate and impactful, avoiding overuse in less severe situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally dreadful as

Replaces 'appalling' with 'dreadful', emphasizing the severity of the situation, keeping a formal tone.

just as awful as

Substitutes 'appalling' with 'awful', making the phrase slightly more informal.

as horrifying as

Emphasizes the terror-inducing aspect of the situation, changing the emotional tone slightly.

as shocking as

Focuses on the element of surprise and disbelief, altering the nuance of the comparison.

no less terrible than

Uses a double negative to express a similar degree of negativity, employing a more formal structure.

as disturbing as

Highlights the unsettling nature of the subject matter, offering a slightly different emotional color.

as dreadful as

Replaces 'appalling' with 'dreadful', emphasizing the severity of the situation.

as atrocious as

Substitutes 'appalling' with 'atrocious', which emphasizes the brutality and wickedness.

as ghastly as

Replaces 'appalling' with 'ghastly', intensifying the sense of horror and unpleasantness.

on par with how awful

This alternative uses a more conversational structure, indicating equal levels of awfulness.

FAQs

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

You can use "as appalling as" to compare two equally shocking or terrible things. For example, "The conditions in the prison were "as appalling as" those in a war zone."

What are some alternatives to "as appalling as"?

Some alternatives include "equally dreadful as", "just as awful as", or "as shocking as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "as appalling as" in formal writing?

Yes, "as appalling as" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the severity of a situation. However, ensure that the tone remains appropriate for your audience and the context of your writing.

What's the difference between "as appalling as" and "horrifying"?

"As appalling as" is a comparative phrase used to equate two things in terms of how shocking or terrible they are. "Horrifying" describes something that causes intense fear or shock. Thus, "as appalling as" sets up a comparison, while "horrifying" describes a single entity.