as austere as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as austere as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something to a very strict or severe standard or appearance, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The room was as austere as a monastery, with bare walls and minimal furnishings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

By contrast, Phul — that was her name, Phul, meaning "flower" — was as austere as a woman in constant prayer.

The New Yorker

By contrast, Phul that was her name, Phul, meaning "flower"—was as austere as a woman in constant prayer.

The New Yorker

Many homeowners feel that a panel door is not as austere as a flush door and it blends better with traditional decorating schemes.

The New York Times

Both Holden and Hawkins got superior billing, but this is Alec Guinness's film through and through: his thin, agonised face, as austere as a medieval saint's, burns out of the screen.

The Guardian - Film

A short drive away, in a suite of offices as austere as a factory floor, Damon Lee begins another day's work as a top executive for Urban Entertainment, which produces short animated films for the Internet with the goal of spinning the most commercially promising into movies and television series.

The New York Times - Tech

Newer establishments brandish names as austere as a country club menu: Brentwood Gardens, Beverly Connection, La Cienega Square.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Drum-'n'-bass, the electronic dance music that arrived in the early 1990's under the name jungle, can be as austere as its new moniker: just a bass line and a beat.

The New York Times - Arts

Supervisors enforce other rules, ensuring a work environment almost as austere as the surrounding Mars-esque landscape.

The New York Times

"This religion is a tolerant religion, and not as austere as those that came before it," Sharif said.

The New Yorker

As austere as Justice Rehnquist's professional work could be, he had a playful side and was an active participant in the life of the court.

The New York Times

The conversion of China from a form of communism every bit as austere as North Korea's state ideology of juche (self-reliance) to its present economic state of near-capitalism likewise began in 1978 with tentative steps in the field of basic commodities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as austere as a" to effectively convey a sense of starkness, simplicity, or severity in descriptions. It is particularly useful when comparing a subject to something known for these qualities, such as "as austere as a monastery".

Common error

Avoid using "as austere as a" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase's formal tone might sound out of place and overly dramatic in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as austere as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes something by comparing its level of austerity to a standard or example. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as austere as a" is a grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to describe something as severely simple or lacking ornamentation. While Ludwig identifies the phrase as correct and usable, it's important to consider the context, as it leans toward a more formal register. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across reputable news sources. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "as stark as a" or "as simple as a" to maintain appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as stark as a

Replaces "austere" with "stark", emphasizing bareness and lack of ornamentation.

as severe as a

Substitutes "austere" with "severe", highlighting strictness and lack of leniency.

as simple as a

Replaces "austere" with "simple", focusing on the lack of complexity or embellishment.

as plain as a

Substitutes "austere" with "plain", emphasizing the lack of adornment and straightforwardness.

as minimalist as a

Replaces "austere" with "minimalist", focusing on extreme simplification and reduction to essentials.

as unadorned as a

Substitutes "austere" with "unadorned", highlighting the absence of decoration.

as restrained as a

Replaces "austere" with "restrained", emphasizing controlled simplicity and lack of excess.

as ascetic as a

Substitutes "austere" with "ascetic", highlighting self-discipline and avoidance of luxury.

as spartan as a

Replaces "austere" with "spartan", emphasizing simplicity, frugality, and avoidance of comfort.

as monastic as a

Substitutes "austere" with "monastic", emphasizing simplicity and self-denial reminiscent of monastic life.

FAQs

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

Use "as austere as a" to compare something to a standard of severe simplicity or strictness. For example, "The room was "as austere as a" monk's cell."

What does "as austere as a" mean?

The phrase "as austere as a" describes something that is severely simple, lacking ornamentation, and perhaps even harsh in its plainness.

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

You can use alternatives like "as stark as a", "as severe as a", or "as simple as a" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as austere as a" in formal writing?

Yes, "as austere as a" is suitable for formal writing when you want to convey a sense of severe simplicity, restraint, or lack of ornamentation. It's a relatively sophisticated phrase.