as delicate as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as delicate as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something's fragility or sensitivity to another object or concept that is known for being delicate. Example: "The flower was as delicate as a butterfly's wing, shimmering in the sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

At times, he seems as delicate as a just-peeled orange, full to bursting with emotions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Intricate hairnets of raindrops appear on the children's heads, as delicate as a sugarwork lattice.

The Guardian

Ever since she was a child, she has been indulged, her life as delicate as a teacup.

The New Yorker

The Pérez Barquero was elegant and complex, while the Alvear was almost as delicate as a manzanilla.

The New York Times - Food

Made almost entirely of carbon fiber, the enormous multihulls — USA-17 has three hulls, Alinghi 5 two — are about as delicate as a house of cards.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It's as delicate as an apple blossom in the summer rain.

Forbes

When the going gets tough the tough gets going, even if it means taking something as delicate as an iPod shuffle or headsets under water.

Huffington Post

A tuba isn't as delicate as say, a violin, but it is still quite prone to denting and scratching.

WikiHow

Though he has a high school education, he has been trained to be a specialist here, and he considers his job as delicate as disarming a live bomb.

The New York Times

The chase is as delicate as catching a butterfly; the spirit of comedy is elusive and that is part of the magic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as delicate as a" to create vivid imagery and emphasize the fragility or sensitivity of a subject. For example, "Her touch was as delicate as a feather, barely grazing my skin."

Common error

Avoid using "as delicate as a" in highly technical or scientific writing where precision is paramount. Opt for more specific and measurable descriptions of fragility or sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as delicate as a" functions as a simile, a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "as" or "like". It vividly describes something's fragility or sensitivity by associating it with a well-known delicate object or concept. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the simile "as delicate as a" is a common and effective way to emphasize fragility or sensitivity by comparing a subject to a delicate object or concept. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in technical writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it versatile for various audiences. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability, further solidifying its value in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as fragile as a

Focuses specifically on the physical fragility of something.

as fine as a

Highlights the refined or subtle nature of something, implying delicacy.

as sensitive as a

Emphasizes the responsiveness and vulnerability of something.

as tender as a

Suggests gentleness and care in handling something.

as breakable as a

Directly points to the likelihood of something being easily broken.

as gossamer as a

Emphasizes extreme lightness and delicacy, often in a visual sense.

as flimsy as a

Implies a lack of strength or substance, making something easily damaged.

as ethereal as a

Conveys a delicate and almost otherworldly quality.

as paper-thin as a

Highlights extreme thinness, implying fragility.

as exquisite as a

Focuses on the beauty and artistry of something, often implying delicacy.

FAQs

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

Use "as delicate as a" to compare something's fragility or sensitivity to another object or concept known for being delicate. For example: "The antique vase was "as delicate as a" butterfly's wing."

What are some alternatives to "as delicate as a"?

Alternatives include "as fragile as a", "as fine as a", or "as sensitive as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "as delicate as a" and "as fragile as a"?

While similar, "delicate" often implies a refined or exquisite quality alongside fragility, whereas "fragile" focuses primarily on the ease with which something can be broken. Consider using "as fragile as a" when only the risk of breakage is relevant.

When is it inappropriate to use "as delicate as a"?

Avoid using "as delicate as a" in contexts that require precise, technical descriptions. In such cases, more specific and measurable terms are preferable.