as dim as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as dim as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare the brightness or clarity of something to a low level of light or understanding. Example: "The room was as dim as a cave, making it difficult to see anything clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Is the New Museum's audience really as dim as this show implicitly assumes?

The New York Times - Arts

Chambers the man is as dim as his paintings are vivid.

The New York Times - Arts

But the picture may not be quite as dim as he suggests.

The New York Times - Arts

"But the likelihood of Turkish military action is not as dim as it was a week ago".

The New York Times

The dimmer the screen the longer the battery lasts, so make it as dim as you can stand.

The Guardian - Tech

Once the Democratic Convention is over next month, Mr. Clinton will seem as dim as a 20-year-old Polaroid.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

These are as dimmed as if they had been hanging since the 18th century in a Parisian hôtel de ville, but the whole auditorium is to undergo a renovation, said John Morales, the building manager.

The New York Times

I don't care for the atmosphere in Moneypalooza; the room is as dim and windowless as an Abercrombie & Fitch.

The New Yorker

Margaret has long since washed the neon orange streaks out of her hair, and my preteenage years are as dim a memory as Sassy magazine.

The New York Times

Santorum, who isn't quite as dim and reactionary as he sometimes sounds, finally seems to accept that this is 2012 rather than 1912.

The New Yorker

Yosano conceded the prospects for recovery would remain dim as long as demand remains weak in the US, Europe and elsewhere.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as dim as", ensure the comparison is vivid and relatable to your audience. For instance, "as dim as a distant star" provides a clear image of faintness.

Common error

Do not use "as dim as" without a clear reference point. Saying "the future is as dim as" is less effective than "the future is as dim as a dying ember."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as dim as" functions primarily as a comparative simile, allowing for comparisons of qualities related to brightness, clarity, or intelligence. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as dim as" is a versatile comparative phrase used to describe something lacking brightness, clarity, or intelligence. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using "as dim as", ensure the comparison is vivid and relatable, and avoid vague or unclear references. Examples show it often appears in similes to express states of reduced visibility or understanding. Overall, this phrase is a common and effective tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as dark as

Replaces "dim" with "dark", emphasizing a complete lack of light.

as faint as

Substitutes "dim" with "faint", focusing on a lack of intensity or strength.

as obscure as

Replaces "dim" with "obscure", shifting the comparison to a lack of clarity or understanding.

as weak as

Substitutes "dim" with "weak", suggesting a lack of intensity.

as pale as

Replaces "dim" with "pale", focusing on a lack of color or vibrancy.

as blurred as

Substitutes "dim" with "blurred", emphasizing a lack of visual clarity.

as muted as

Replaces "dim" with "muted", implying a reduced level of intensity or brightness.

as dull as

Substitutes "dim" with "dull", focusing on a lack of vibrancy or interest.

not as bright as

Expresses a comparative lack of brightness compared to something else.

less luminous than

Uses more formal language to indicate a lower level of brightness.

FAQs

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

Use "as dim as" to compare the degree of faintness, obscurity, or lack of intellectual capacity between two subjects. For example, "His chances of winning were "as dim as" a distant star" or "The explanation was "as dim as" mud".

What are some alternatives to "as dim as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as dark as", "as faint as", or "not as bright as" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "as dim as" or "as dimly as"?

While "dimly" is an adverb, "as dim as" is the correct phrasing for comparative descriptions. Use "dimly" to describe how something is done. Example: The light shone dimly. Use "as dim as" for comparisons. Example: It was "as dim as" midnight in the forest.

What's the difference between "as dim as" and "as dark as"?

"As dark as" suggests a complete absence of light, whereas ""as dim as"" implies a very low level of light, a faint glow, or a lack of intellectual clarity that isn't total darkness.