as breakable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as breakable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the fragility of one object to another, indicating that both share a similar level of breakability. Example: "This vase is as breakable as the one I accidentally dropped last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The truth is that Lecter alone prevails; his will is iron, and everyone around him is as breakable as bone.

The New Yorker

Based on what we've heard of Parcells and are hearing again, joining him in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers must be considered a proposition as breakable as the mirror Parcells gazed into when he fancied himself finished with coaching two years ago with the Jets.

The New York Times - Sports

He'd kill the masses to satisfy his inferiority complex that if he was as breakable as he is, surely, there would be a polar opposite who could justify his reason for existing (even if that meant becoming the antithesis to a good).

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Using elements that are normally thought of as breakable, she creates doll-like forms that are haunting references to the fragility of a child's mind, where trauma can do its most harm.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 — The new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff plans to press Congress and the public to sustain the current high levels of military spending — even after the Iraq war — arguing for money to repair and replace worn-out weapons and to restore American ground forces he described as "breakable," though not yet broken.

The New York Times

However, I'm not sure if this new screen includes the all-important (and just as breakable) digitiser.

TechCrunch

Trunking radio systems and other methods that allow for very sophisticated organizations are still breakable, as has amply been shown in the recent natural disasters.

Critical Care

Hold the bottle at an angle that is pointed away from you and other people, as well as breakable items like light bulbs and windows.

WikiHow

generally it is the headlining acts job to supply a drum kit, and the other drummers will have to provide what are known as breakables, (snare, cymbals, bass drum pedal) However, some drummers are not comfortable with this and will want other bands to use another kit.

WikiHow

Her hands cupping his shoulders, those same slight shoulders, as small and breakable as eggs.

The New Yorker

Weirdly, though, he also recalls one of cinema's strangest non-superheroes: Elijah, in M Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable (2000), played by Samuel L Jackson, who styles himself "Mr Glass" because he is, well, as fragile and breakable as glass and radiates the conviction that this bizarre vulnerability or disability somehow makes him impressive.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as breakable as", ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to the audience. For example, "His confidence was as breakable as thin ice" creates a vivid image.

Common error

While acceptable, "as breakable as" can sound less formal. In academic or professional writing, consider alternatives like "as fragile as" or "susceptible to damage" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as breakable as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe the degree to which something is easily broken, comparing it to another object or concept known for its fragility. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as breakable as" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to emphasize the fragility or vulnerability of an object or concept. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, it's more common in neutral to informal contexts like news articles or general writing, and less suited for formal academic or scientific discourse. Alternatives like ""as fragile as"" or ""as delicate as"" might be preferable in those settings. The phrase serves to highlight the need for caution and care due to the potential for damage or failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as fragile as glass

Uses a common simile to directly compare something's vulnerability to glass, similar to "as breakable as".

as fragile as

This alternative emphasizes the delicacy and susceptibility to damage, similar to "as breakable as" but with a broader connotation.

as delicate as

Focuses on the fine and easily damaged nature of something, akin to "as breakable as" but often implies a higher value or care required.

vulnerable to breakage like

Directly points out the potential for breaking, mirroring the meaning of "as breakable as" with a slight shift in emphasis.

as brittle as

Highlights the tendency to shatter or snap easily under pressure, similar to "as breakable as" but more specific to rigid materials.

as flimsy as

Suggests a lack of strength or substance, making it easily damaged, aligning with the general idea of "as breakable as".

easily damaged

A more concise way of expressing the idea that something can be broken with little effort, similar to "as breakable as".

easily shattered like

Emphasizes the action of breaking into pieces, similar to "as breakable as" but with a stronger focus on the result of damage.

liable to break

Indicates a high probability of breaking, similar to "as breakable as" but with a focus on the likelihood of the event.

susceptible to damage like

Highlights the vulnerability to being harmed or broken, echoing the meaning of "as breakable as" with a more clinical tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "as breakable as" to compare the fragility of something to another object or concept. For instance, "The antique vase was "as breakable as glass"" or "His resolve was "as breakable as a promise"".

What can I say instead of "as breakable as"?

Alternatives include "as fragile as", "as delicate as", or "as brittle as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "as fragile as" or "as breakable as"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""as fragile as"" is often considered more formal and can be used in a wider range of contexts. "As breakable as" is perfectly acceptable but may sound slightly more informal.

What does "as breakable as" imply about the object being described?

It suggests that the object or concept is easily damaged, destroyed, or rendered ineffective with minimal force or pressure. It highlights its vulnerability and lack of resilience.