as cutting as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as cutting as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is sharp, incisive, or harsh, often in reference to remarks or criticisms. Example: "Her comments were as cutting as a knife, leaving him speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The aim of this research is to model the deformation and fracture behaviour of wafers used in chocolate confectionery products so as to optimise industrial processes such as cutting as well as aid the development of product design.

Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies

As cutting as black leaders can be in public, it's nothing compared with what black people can be in private.

The New York Times

Mr. Lydon sings the old songs with all their taunts, injuries, fury and sarcasm in a voice that's as cutting as ever.

The New York Times - Arts

THIS is Joseph Stiglitz's second bite at the topic of globalisation, but his incisors are not as cutting as they were.

The Economist

With a message just as cutting as the one he had sent Tom Guinzburg, he dismissed Simon & Schuster as his publisher and went back to Viking.

The New Yorker

They rely on low-budget gloom and Rathbone's imperious voice, as cutting as the swords he handled in so many costume adventures.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We're cutting as much as we can.

The New York Times

I have tried to avoid cutting as much as possible.

The Guardian - Film

Depression also contributes to self-harm, namely "cutting," as well as eating disorders.

Stanford University

Morgan Stanley is cutting as many as 25 jobs at its Japan real estate securitization unit.

The New York Times

Titanium nitride (TiN), is still the standard coating for cutting as well as forming applications.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as cutting as", ensure the comparison is clear and the context supports the imagery of sharpness or incisiveness. For example, "Her wit was as cutting as a surgeon's scalpel."

Common error

Avoid using "as cutting as" in contexts where a gentler or more nuanced expression is appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly harsh or aggressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as cutting as" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by comparing its sharpness or incisiveness to something else. It emphasizes the intensity and severity of the quality being described, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as cutting as" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that conveys a strong sense of sharpness or incisiveness, often in a critical or negative context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news and media sources, making it appropriate for neutral to slightly informal registers. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and that the context warrants the intensity of the expression. While numerous alternatives exist, each offers a slightly different nuance, such as ""equally sharp"" or ""just as incisive"", catering to varying degrees of formality or desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally sharp

Expresses a similar degree of sharpness or incisiveness using different wording.

just as incisive

Replaces "cutting" with "incisive" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly more formal tone.

as biting as

Substitutes "cutting" with "biting", emphasizing the sharpness of the remark or criticism.

no less acerbic

Employs "acerbic" instead of "cutting" to highlight the sharp and bitter quality.

as sarcastic as

Replaces "cutting" with "sarcastic", focusing on the use of irony to convey sharpness.

equally trenchant

Uses "trenchant" instead of "cutting" to emphasize the penetrating and effective nature of the remark.

just as scathing

Replaces "cutting" with "scathing", stressing the severely critical and damaging aspect.

as piercing as

Substitutes "cutting" with "piercing" to highlight the sharp and penetrating quality.

no less pointed

Employs "pointed" instead of "cutting" to focus on the direct and unambiguous nature of the criticism.

as mordant as

Replaces "cutting" with "mordant", emphasizing the biting and caustic wit.

FAQs

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

You can use "as cutting as" to describe something that is sharp, incisive, or harsh. For example, "His words were "as cutting as" a knife."

What are some alternatives to "as cutting as"?

Alternatives include "equally sharp", "just as incisive", or "as biting as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as cutting as" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as cutting as" may be too informal or emotionally charged for some formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral alternative like ""equally sharp"" or ""just as incisive"" in formal writing.

What's the difference between "as cutting as" and "as sharp as"?

"As sharp as" generally refers to physical sharpness or keenness of mind. "As cutting as" typically describes the harshness or incisiveness of remarks or criticisms. The former has a broader range of applications, while the latter is more specific to verbal or written communication.