as deep as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as deep as a' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to compare two things in terms of depth, usually referring to the depth of a body of water. For example: The stream was not very wide, but it was as deep as a lake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sadly it's about as deep as a frying pan.

The New York Times

My voice is still as deep as a well, my eyes a steely blue.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, he was about as deep as a melted ice cube.

The New York Times

"But there's no depth – it's as deep as a paddling pool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The males end up in bachelor groups, some with bonds as deep as a heterosexual troop.

The New Yorker

His intellect may be as broad as the sea, but it's about as deep as a birdbath.

The Washington Post

First, he had to climb out of his own hole, one as deep as a wishing well.

The New York Times - Sports

Why, in this post-feminist era, is a father's bond to his son not viewed as deep as a mother's?

The New York Times

These instruments recorded squid diving as deep as a mile, and also swimming around in a mid-ocean zone with very little oxygen.

Princeton University

The production tries very, very hard to be profound, but it ends up about as deep as a frying pan (1 30).

The New York Times

Beside the ridge is a gully as deep as a man is tall, and at the bottom of that gully is a slender trickle of water.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your comparisons. While 'as deep as the ocean' is common, consider more specific and vivid imagery based on your context.

Common error

Avoid using "as deep as a" with overly abstract concepts that lack a clear reference point. Ensure the depth being compared is measurable or understandable, not vague or confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as deep as a" functions as an adjectival phrase used for comparison. It modifies a noun or pronoun by describing its depth in relation to another object, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as deep as a" is a versatile and commonly used comparative structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and employed to illustrate the extent of depth, both literally and figuratively. It frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, with primary function of creating a relationship between objects with similar depth. While straightforward, paying attention to comparison clarity and avoiding overly abstract comparisons is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives, such as "as profound as", offer nuanced ways to convey intensity or significance. The phrase is widely recognized and readily understood, making it a valuable tool in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matching the depth of

Emphasizes that two things have exactly the same depth.

equally deep as

Directly states that two things have the same depth.

as profound as

Emphasizes the intellectual or emotional depth rather than physical depth.

as intense as

Focuses on the strength or degree of feeling or force.

as bottomless as

Highlights the seemingly infinite depth of something.

of similar depth to

A more technical or precise way of comparing depth.

as submerged as

Specifically refers to the state of being completely covered by a liquid or other substance.

comparable in depth to

Highlights that two things can be measured and found to have similar depths.

as buried as

Implies being covered or hidden completely, often underground.

to the same extent as

A more formal way of indicating equal measure or degree.

FAQs

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

Use "as deep as a" to compare the depth of something to a well-known object or place. For example, "Her sadness was "as deep as a well"" or "The mine shaft was "as deep as a 40-story building"".

What phrases are similar to "as deep as a"?

Similar phrases include "as profound as", "as intense as", or "equally deep as". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use 'as' twice in the comparison?

Yes, the structure "as [adjective] as" requires both 'as' words to form a complete comparative phrase. Omitting either one would be grammatically incorrect.

Can "as deep as a" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "as deep as a" can be used for abstract concepts, but ensure the comparison is clear and relatable. For example, you might say someone's understanding is "as deep as a philosopher's".