as desolate as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as desolate as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make a simile, comparing something to a state of emptiness or bleakness. Example: "The abandoned town lay as desolate as a forgotten dream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Travel

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But, little Liberty was nearly as desolate as the original on Thursday.

The New York Times

Mrs. Aasan's portion of Dora still looks as desolate as a condemned tenement.

The New York Times

But as desolate as the area looked, it was anything but empty to Ms. Muniz.

The New York Times

At sprawling Camp Leatherneck, their headquarters, lots once packed with armored vehicles are as desolate as frontier ghost towns.

The New York Times

In these films, the homicidal lovebirds drive across vast expanses of land, as desolate as their amoral souls.

Independent

Jones creates superb settings, but none are as desolate as the emotional landscape in which these two roam.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Most guests take their meals at the hotel because of its isolated location – there are coastal regions on the island as desolate and stunning as the Hebrides.

The Guardian - Travel

It is true, nevertheless, that migrants from the rural hinterland, drawn to Mumbai for hundreds of years — as long as the city, as constructed by British free-traders and their native collaborators, has existed — were never as desolate and defenseless as they are now.

The New York Times

In a building not associated with long hours — where hallways can be as desolate after 2 p.m. as the Outback — they'll soon begin an 8 30 a.m. court call for a simple reason: There is way too much work to handle.

The New York Times

Yet Ethan's counterpoint in the novel is not the fruit of a genteel or even an interesting upbringing, but someone from as desolate a home in its way as his own: a girl called Julie Jacobson who comes to Spirit in the Woods on a charitable scholarship and joins the group of friends – or so she feels – on much the same basis, out of an inexplicable kind of condescension.

The Guardian - Books

Suddenly we didn't feel as desolate".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to describe not only physical locations, but also emotional states or abstract concepts, to add depth and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid comparing to overly common examples (e.g., "as desolate as a desert") unless you bring a fresh perspective. Aim for unique comparisons that are more specific and evocative to enhance your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as desolate as" functions as a simile, used to draw a comparison between the subject and a state of extreme emptiness or sadness. It enhances descriptive writing by creating a vivid image in the reader's mind. Ludwig AI shows it is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Books

20%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Music

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as desolate as" is a versatile simile used to emphasize extreme emptiness, sadness, or abandonment. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically sound and common in contexts such as News & Media, Books and Travel. To maximize impact, avoid clichés and aim for original comparisons. Alternatives include "as barren as" or "as empty as". This phrase effectively enhances descriptive writing by creating vivid and emotionally resonant images.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as barren as

Emphasizes the lack of life or productivity; more literal.

as empty as

Focuses on the absence of contents or inhabitants.

as bleak as

Highlights the cold and unwelcoming nature of the scene or situation.

as forlorn as

Emphasizes a sense of loneliness and abandonment.

as isolated as

Focuses on the separation and lack of connection to others.

as deserted as

Highlights the abandonment by people; more specific.

as godforsaken as

Emphasizes a sense of utter abandonment and hopelessness.

as lonesome as

Highlights the feeling of being alone and sad.

as bare as

Focuses on the lack of covering or adornment.

as uninhabited as

Highlights the absence of residents or occupants.

FAQs

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

You can use "as desolate as" to create a simile, comparing something to a state of emptiness, loneliness, or ruin. For example: "The landscape was "as desolate as" a forgotten battlefield."

What are some alternatives to "as desolate as"?

Alternatives include "as barren as", "as empty as", or "as bleak as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "as desolate as" and "as deserted as"?

"As desolate as" implies a more profound sense of emptiness and abandonment, while "as deserted as" specifically suggests that people have left a place.

When is it appropriate to use "as desolate as" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the extreme emptiness, loneliness, or ruin of something, creating a strong emotional impact. It's particularly effective in descriptive writing and poetry.