as docile as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as docile as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone or something's submissiveness or gentleness to another entity, often in a simile format. Example: "The puppy was as docile as a lamb, easily following its owner's commands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Depositors are not as docile as they were.

The Economist

His approach to parenting was as docile as Nancy's was obsessive.

The New Yorker

Now we endure our ordeal at checkpoints, as docile as too-well-mannered children.

The New York Times

But "Music for Airports" was not nearly as docile as Eno wanted it to be.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, his lawyers say, the brig authorities had called him as docile as "a piece of furniture".

The Economist

It was true: the Americans scattered around the arena were as docile as the Iraqi soccer fans had been riotous.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

So far, Naxos has fastened on Arthur Foote, as docile a musician as MacDowell and Strong were Romantically effulgent.

The New York Times - Arts

Workers from poorer countries such as Burma are marketed as "docile", he added.

The Guardian

It is as docile and quiet as a Camry in normal driving, but in my test run to Bedford, N.Y., it also revealed a snarl when a lead foot met the accelerator.

The New York Times

Give me a blanket, a standard lamp, a boiling kettle and about three square feet of floorspace and I'll hand you back a baby that's as docile and contented as a wagyu cow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As docile inhabitants wait for the work to be done, they solemnly wave the empty bottles in a pretense of scientific seriousness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as docile as" to create a vivid simile when describing someone or something's gentle or submissive nature. Ensure the comparison is clear and adds meaningful detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as docile as" when describing situations that require assertiveness or independence. Overusing this phrase can lead to conveying a sense of weakness or lack of initiative, which may not be the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as docile as" functions primarily as a simile. Ludwig AI confirms its use to compare the degree of gentleness or submissiveness of one entity to another. It's used to create a vivid and relatable image for the reader.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as docile as" is a simile used to describe someone or something gentle, submissive, or easily managed. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and generally used in neutral contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media and Wiki sources. While useful for creating vivid comparisons, consider potential negative connotations related to passivity. Alternatives like "as gentle as" or "as compliant as" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as gentle as

Focuses on the gentleness of the subject, rather than its submissiveness.

as tame as

Suggests a lack of wildness or resistance, often used for animals.

as compliant as

Emphasizes willingness to obey or conform to requests.

as obedient as

Highlights adherence to rules or commands.

as submissive as

Stresses a willingness to yield to the authority of others.

as pliant as

Implies being easily influenced or molded.

as manageable as

Focuses on the ease of controlling or handling something or someone.

as well-behaved as

Highlights good conduct and politeness.

as easygoing as

Focuses on the relaxed and agreeable nature.

as unassertive as

Emphasizes the lack of aggressiveness or self-promotion.

FAQs

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

You can use "as docile as" to compare the gentleness or submissiveness of a subject to something else. For example: "The puppy was "as docile as" a lamb", or "The crowd was "as docile as" could be, showing no signs of protest".

What are some alternatives to "as docile as"?

Some alternatives include "as gentle as", "as tame as", "as compliant as", or "as obedient as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "as docile as"?

While grammatically correct, describing a person as "as docile as" can sometimes carry negative connotations, suggesting a lack of assertiveness or independence. Consider the context and whether a more positive term like "as gentle as" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "as docile as" and "as compliant as"?

"As docile as" emphasizes a gentle, submissive nature, while "as compliant as" focuses on a willingness to obey or conform to requests. Docility suggests a natural disposition, while compliance suggests an active choice to follow instructions.