as bare as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as bare as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is completely naked or devoid of covering, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The landscape was as bare as a winter tree, stripped of all its leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Infield stands as bare as grocery shelves on hurricane eve.

The New Yorker

Its emotion is as bare as an exposed nerve.

The Guardian - Books

The lyrics are as bare as Pop's legendary torso.

The Guardian - Music

The lyrics are as bare as Iggy's legendary torso.

The Guardian - Music

It is as bare as bone and as reverberant as bell metal: Why do we die?

The New Yorker

Keep it looking as bare as you can – a tinted moisturiser is best.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

For miles around, the earth looked as bare and clean as an empty, stage.

The New Yorker

Preferably, these LEDs are integrated unpackaged, i.e. as bare dies, as this reduces footprint, thickness and cost.

Microelectronics Reliability

"I knew that it needed to be as bare bones as I could make it," Mr. Rando said.

The New York Times

Drug-coated stents are twice as effective as bare metal devices in preventing reblockages.

The New York Times - Health

In general there was cyclic softening both in the bare as well as salt coated specimens.

International Journal of Fatigue

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as bare as" to create vivid comparisons and emphasize the lack of something. For example, "The shelves were as bare as a cupboard after a hurricane", creates a stronger mental picture than just saying 'the shelves were empty'.

Common error

While effective for imagery, "as bare as" can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more direct language like "completely devoid" or "entirely lacking" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as bare as" functions as a simile, employing the structure "as + adjective + as" to create a comparison. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe something by likening it to another thing known for its bareness. Examples from the provided data demonstrate its usage in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as bare as" is a common simile used to vividly describe a state of lacking or emptiness. It functions by comparing something to another entity known for its bareness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "as bare as" and more formal alternatives. As demonstrated by the provided examples, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media, and Science. Using "as bare as" effectively involves creating strong imagery through comparison, enhancing the description and making it more memorable for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely exposed

Focuses on the state of being open and visible, without covering.

utterly devoid

Emphasizes the complete absence of something, highlighting emptiness.

entirely naked

Specifically refers to the absence of clothing or covering.

fully uncovered

Highlights the act of something being revealed by removing a covering.

totally stripped

Implies that something has been forcefully deprived of its covering.

plain and unadorned

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of embellishment.

starkly empty

Highlights the desolate and barren nature of something.

wholly denuded

Suggests a complete removal of covering, often in a natural sense (like trees).

unclothed completely

A more literal and descriptive way of saying naked.

without any covering

Directly states the absence of any form of protection or concealment.

FAQs

What does "as bare as" mean?

The phrase "as bare as" is used to describe something that is completely uncovered, empty, or lacking in adornment. It's a simile, meaning it uses "as" to compare something to a known example of bareness.

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

You can use "as bare as" to create a vivid comparison. For example, "The room was "starkly empty", as bare as a stage before a performance."

What are some alternatives to "as bare as"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "completely exposed", "utterly devoid", or "entirely naked". Choose the phrase that best captures the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "as bare as" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as bare as" can sometimes be perceived as informal. In formal contexts, consider using more direct and professional alternatives such as "completely lacking" or "entirely devoid."