as delicate as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as delicate as" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might say: "The snow was as delicate as cotton wool."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Not quite as delicate as the others.

The New York Times - Food

A voice as delicate as Ms. Kent's requires special handling.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet it's not as delicate as it might seem.

The New York Times - Arts

Abani attains a calibration as delicate as it is essential.

The New York Times - Books

The end — long seconds of toneless evocation of breathing — was as delicate as music gets.

The New York Times - Arts

His tone is big and sensual, as delicate as it is forceful.

The New Yorker

Wallace's mother remembers that David emerged as delicate as a child.

The New Yorker

As delicate as the past is, Jones reveals little outward bitterness.

The New York Times - Magazine

But even these brutes were, in their own way, as delicate as Circassian waifs.

The New Yorker

IT was a diplomatic tango as delicate as any performed in the halls of power.

The New York Times

Serrano ham was carved into slices as delicate as tissue paper.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as delicate as" to highlight the need for careful handling or consideration. For example, a diplomatic situation might be described as being "as delicate as diffusing a bomb" to emphasize the potential for disaster.

Common error

Avoid using overused comparisons with "as delicate as", like "as delicate as a rose", as they can weaken your writing. Opt for more original and contextually relevant comparisons to make a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as delicate as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by comparing its level of delicacy to another object or concept, emphasizing its fragility or need for careful handling. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as delicate as" is a versatile comparative phrase used to emphasize fragility, sensitivity, or refinement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and sees frequent usage across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally neutral in register, choosing original and contextually relevant comparisons will help enhance your writing. Keep in mind that alternatives like ""as fragile as"" or ""as sensitive as"" might be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as fragile as

Replaces 'delicate' with 'fragile', emphasizing the ease with which something can be broken or damaged.

as sensitive as

Shifts the focus to the responsiveness and vulnerability of something, often in an emotional or physical context.

as fine as

Highlights the refined and subtle nature of something, often referring to texture or detail.

as refined as

Emphasizes the state of being purified or cultured, suggesting a high level of sophistication.

as intricate as

Focuses on the complexity and detailed nature of something, implying a level of care and precision.

as gossamer as

Uses 'gossamer' to describe something extremely light, thin, and delicate.

as ethereal as

Suggests a lightness and otherworldliness, indicating something delicate in a spiritual or supernatural sense.

as wafer-thin as

Emphasizes extreme thinness and fragility, similar to a wafer.

as tender as

Focuses on gentleness and care, implying that something needs to be handled with caution.

as breakable as

Directly indicates the likelihood of something being easily broken.

FAQs

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

You can use "as delicate as" to compare something to something else that is fragile or requires careful handling. For example, "The antique vase was "as delicate as" spun glass."

What are some synonyms for "as delicate as"?

Some synonyms include "as fragile as", "as sensitive as", or "as fine as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "as delicate as" a formal or informal expression?

"As delicate as" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the specific comparison you make (e.g., "as delicate as a flower" vs. "as delicate as a negotiation").

What's the difference between "as delicate as" and "as sensitive as"?

"As delicate as" usually refers to physical fragility or the need for careful handling, while ""as sensitive as"" often implies emotional or sensory responsiveness. For example, a piece of porcelain is ""as delicate as" spun sugar", while a person might be ""as sensitive as" a newborn baby".