as deplorable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as deplorable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of something negative or undesirable to another negative standard. Example: "The conditions in the shelter were as deplorable as those in the worst refugee camps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That statistic, as deplorable as it is, understates the cost.

The New York Times

Rubinstein's voice was as deplorable as her diction, further reason to be grateful to the Holy Synod for its interdictions.

The New York Times - Books

And, as deplorable as the unnecessary deprivations are, they also foster a moving, almost childlike sense of wonder.

The New York Times - Books

Some of his transformations are, perhaps, as deplorable as the one the portrait of the title undergoes in the novel, but they are nonetheless intriguing.

The New Yorker

The Daily Mail reports a police spokesperson as saying: "As deplorable as these crimes are, law and order has to be maintained, and not lynch justice.

Independent

Yet as deplorable as Rocker's bigoted comments were, forced counseling and "sensitivity training" are nothing more than buzzwords for political re-education.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I believe this action by Ofcom to be thoroughly deplorable as well as palpably cynical.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I first saw Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, I wrote that it was as deplorable and delicious as a forbidden cigarette.

The Guardian - Film

There was widespread physical and sexual violence, prostitution and sexual slavery in the prison, as well as deplorable sanitary conditions, said the statement, provided by Squire Sanders, whose lawyers made up part of the team.

The New York Times

The hospital condemns it as "deplorable" and "journalistic trickery".

The Guardian

President Uhuru Kenyatta has described the incident as deplorable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as deplorable as", ensure that the comparison is clear and the items being compared are of similar nature. This strengthens the impact of your statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as deplorable as" to compare items that are vastly different in nature or scale. This can weaken your argument and make your writing appear illogical or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as deplorable as" functions primarily as a comparative, drawing a parallel between two situations, actions, or conditions deemed equally reprehensible. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as deplorable as" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative expression employed to emphasize the severity of something negative by comparing it to another equally unacceptable situation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using "as deplorable as", ensure clarity in the comparison and avoid applying it to vastly different items to maintain logical consistency. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as awful as

Focuses on the degree of unpleasantness or badness.

as terrible as

Emphasizes the severity or seriousness of something.

as dreadful as

Highlights the fear or apprehension associated with something.

as wretched as

Stresses the miserable or pitiable nature of something.

as shameful as

Indicates the degree of disgrace or dishonor involved.

as disgraceful as

Focuses on the loss of respect or reputation.

as regrettable as

Emphasizes that an action should be considered with sorrow or disappointment.

as unacceptable as

Highlights the lack of approval or tolerance for something.

as offensive as

Indicates the degree to which something causes displeasure or resentment.

as inexcusable as

Stresses the lack of justification or defense for something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as deplorable as" in a sentence?

Use "as deplorable as" to draw a parallel between two equally unacceptable situations or actions, highlighting the severity of both. For instance, "His actions were "as deplorable as" his predecessor's."

What are some alternatives to "as deplorable as"?

You can use alternatives like "as awful as", "as terrible as", or "as shameful as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "as deplorable as"?

Yes, "as deplorable as" is grammatically correct. The structure "as + adjective + as" is a standard comparative construction in English.

In what contexts is "as deplorable as" most appropriate?

The phrase "as deplorable as" is suitable in contexts where you want to express strong disapproval or condemnation of something, often in formal writing, news reports, or academic discussions.