as bleak as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as bleak as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a situation's grimness or negativity while also implying that there may be a contrasting point or perspective to consider. Example: "As bleak as it is, we must find a way to move forward and seek solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's as bleak as it is brilliant.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As bleak as it is, there are attempts to try to support newcomers.

The Guardian

The closest thing to a sunny pop song is "Morning Glory Cloud"; the rest is as bleak as it is oblique.

Independent

Fringed, like most French cities, by concrete social-housing blocks, Lille faces a catalogue of difficulties as bleak as it is familiar: drugs, gangs, joblessness, crime.

The Economist

But he offers another explanation, too, one that is as bleak as it is banal: he killed for cars and clothes.

The New Yorker

No Ordinary Love (1992) The band reached their peak of opulent sound design on the aptly titled album Love Deluxe; its seven-minute epic of a lead single is as bleak as it is sensual, casting heartbreak as the greatest luxury of all.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It's not as bleak as it was".

The New York Times - Sports

The situation is not as bleak as it was in my own youth.

The Guardian - Sport

Back then Blair promised a bright future; now the future, particularly in the north-east, is potentially as bleak as it was under Thatcher.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

While international attention has focused on the ongoing retrial of Al Jazeera television journalists Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, local Egyptian reporters based in Cairo paint a picture of press freedom that's as bleak as it's ever been.

Vice

Indeed, while the economic picture is not as bleak as it once was -- on Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that unemployment rate dropped to 8.6percentt in November, but some of the decrease was attributable to workers giving up finding a job.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to create a sense of balance in your statements. It acknowledges the downside while subtly suggesting that there might be another perspective worth considering.

Common error

Avoid using "as bleak as it is" merely as a rhetorical device to acknowledge negativity without offering any contrasting or mitigating information. Ensure you follow through with the implication of a different perspective to maintain credibility and avoid frustrating your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as bleak as it is" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase acknowledges a grim situation, but sets the stage for a contrasting or unexpected element. It's used to concede a negative aspect before introducing another perspective or counterpoint.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

General Discussion

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as bleak as it is" is a concessive conjunction phrase used to acknowledge a negative situation before introducing a contrasting or mitigating viewpoint. Ludwig AI validates that it serves to balance negativity and open possibilities for alternative perspectives. The phrase has a neutral register and is most commonly found in news and media, suggesting a desire to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective. Despite its relatively uncommon frequency, it is grammatically correct and a useful tool for creating balanced arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak as it may seem

Very similar in meaning but uses "may seem" to highlight subjective impression.

however grim it may be

Emphasizes the severity of the situation while still allowing for a shift in perspective.

notwithstanding its bleakness

Highlights the presence of a bleak situation but suggests that it does not negate other factors.

despite its somber nature

Acknowledges a somber atmosphere but opens the possibility for a more positive outlook.

even though it appears hopeless

Addresses the apparent lack of hope while suggesting the possibility of a different outcome.

while acknowledging its negativity

Explicitly recognizes the negative aspects but implies a broader context.

in spite of its desolation

Points out a desolate condition, yet implies resilience or the presence of something positive.

though things look dire

Acknowledges a dire situation, hinting there may be more to the situation than initially perceived.

recognizing its dim outlook

Admits the negative prospect, while possibly introducing a different viewpoint.

for all its darkness

Despite the gloom, it introduces a possibility of change or a positive twist.

FAQs

How can I use "as bleak as it is" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to acknowledge a negative situation before introducing a contrasting or mitigating factor. For example, "As bleak as it is, we must find a way to move forward and seek solutions."

What can I say instead of "as bleak as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "however grim it may be", "despite its somber nature", or "even though it appears hopeless" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "as bleak as it seems" instead of "as bleak as it is"?

Yes, "bleak as it may seem" is a similar expression. The difference lies in emphasis: "as bleak as it is" states a fact, while "bleak as it may seem" suggests a subjective perception.

What's the difference between "as bleak as it is" and "despite the bleakness"?

"As bleak as it is" introduces a contrast more directly and is suitable when you want to immediately follow the negative acknowledgement with a positive or mitigating point. "Despite the bleakness" sets a contrastive tone for a wider discussion.