as coarse as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as coarse as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare the roughness or harshness of one thing to another. Example: "The fabric felt as coarse as sandpaper against my skin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

As coarse as politics seemed in the 1990s, Davis remembers it as a productive period when Clinton and Gingrich and their parties actually did business.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like Feste, Touchstone, in "As You Like It," is something of a professor of the life sciences, but his methods are as coarse as Feste's are kind.

The New York Times - Books

I found it as coarse as canvas, though you have to admire Soderbergh for adding a new vista to his vision.

The New Yorker

As expert in subterfuge as James Bond and as coarse as Shrek, he jumps from one side of religious and political controversy to another and fascinates women with his burly, tattooed body.

The New York Times - Books

The salon where Arnulfo works, Cristiano Cora, offers a seemingly miraculous hair dye that requires only a 15-minute wait, though Arnolfo told me sadly that it is not as short for people with hair as coarse as mine.

The New York Times

"I wanted to know that people were attracted to me and would find me sexy," said Ms. MacRae, 31, who estimates that over several months she posted her pictures at about a dozen Internet rating sites, from the relatively wholesome hotornot.com, which tallies roughly 10 million votes per day, to bangable.com, a site as coarse as its name.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

'Grain' means grain sieve wastes that contained grain corn as well as coarse grain milled at various degrees of milling coarseness.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The aji salsa can be as coarse or as smooth as you like.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was sincerely religious, and the character of the court became less coarse as soon as he became king.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The nuns would have cracked a ruler over the knuckles of any girl who made stitches as coarse and uneven as Emin's.

The Guardian - Arts

Crompton's machine made it possible for a single operator to work more than 1,000 spindles simultaneously, and was capable of spinning fine as well as coarse yarn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as coarse as", ensure the comparison is clear and the object being compared is something generally understood to be rough or unrefined. This makes the simile more vivid and effective.

Common error

Avoid using "as coarse as" to describe something that should ideally be smooth or refined, such as "as coarse as silk". Ensure the comparison aligns with the expected qualities of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as coarse as" functions primarily as a comparative simile, used to describe something by likening it to another thing that is known for its roughness or lack of refinement. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as coarse as" serves as a simile, effectively comparing an object or concept to something known for its roughness or lack of refinement. Ludwig AI confirms it to be grammatically correct. Predominantly found in news, media and science contexts, the phrase is a neutral way to add vivid imagery. When using "as coarse as", ensure the comparison is apt and strengthens the description, avoiding misuse in inappropriate contexts, like something expected to be fine. The related phrases, such as "as rough as", offer nuanced alternatives, allowing for a more precise expression of the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as rough as

Emphasizes the unevenness or lack of smoothness, differing slightly from the broad implication of "coarse".

as crude as

Focuses on the lack of refinement or sophistication, shifting the emphasis from texture to character.

as unrefined as

Highlights the lack of polish or processing, making it suitable for contexts needing specificity.

as harsh as

Implies severity or unpleasantness, changing the nuance from texture to impact.

as abrasive as

Conveys a sense of causing friction or irritation, modifying the comparison's focus.

as vulgar as

Refers to a lack of taste or decorum, rather than physical texture.

as homespun as

Suggests a rustic or unsophisticated quality, altering the comparison's connotation.

as unsophisticated as

Emphasizes the lack of worldly knowledge or social grace, slightly deviating from the literal sense.

as primitive as

Focuses on being in an early stage of development, changing the comparison's context.

as basic as

Implies simplicity or lack of complexity, shifting the focus from texture to complexity.

FAQs

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

Use "as coarse as" to create a simile comparing something to a known rough or unrefined item. For example, "The sandpaper felt as coarse as gravel." or "His manners were as coarse as his language".

What are some alternatives to "as coarse as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as rough as", "as crude as", or "as unrefined as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as coarse as"?

Yes, "as coarse as" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English, particularly in similes for making comparisons.

What's the difference between "as coarse as" and "as rough as"?

While both phrases describe a lack of smoothness, "as coarse as" often implies a more unrefined or unpolished quality, while "as rough as" primarily refers to surface texture. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired nuance.