as drying as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as drying as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in comparisons to describe something that has a drying effect or quality, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The desert air is as drying as the harsh winds of winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And liquid washes can be just as drying as bars, since many contain harsh surfactants, like sodium laureth sulfate, to lend the sudsy feeling some consumers demand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

My mouth is as dry as sandpaper.

The New Yorker

It's as dry as a bone.

The New Yorker

Jeter can be as dry as loofah.

The New York Times

Of course, it isn't as dry as all that.

The New Yorker

This is not as dry as it sounds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They tend to be as dry as chablis.

The Guardian - Books

The flourless chocolate cake was as dry as dust.

The New York Times

The humour is as dry as a bone.

The Guardian - Film

The reading list was as dry as an actuarial table.

The New Yorker

But most of northern China is as dry as straw.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as drying as", ensure the comparison is apt and vivid; choose objects or scenarios known for their drying qualities to maximize the impact of your description.

Common error

Avoid using "as drying as" in purely literal descriptions where simpler adjectives like "dry" or "dehydrating" suffice. Reserve it for comparisons that add depth or figurative meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as drying as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to equate the drying properties of one subject to another. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples provided illustrate this comparative function.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as drying as" is a grammatically correct, though infrequently used, comparative phrase designed to highlight the intensive drying effect of something. Ludwig AI indicates it's valid for written English. It's most commonly found in journalistic or descriptive writing, often employed to create a vivid comparison. When using it, ensure your comparison is apt and adds meaningful depth to your description, and avoid using it when ""as dry as"" would work as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally desiccating

Replaces "drying" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing thoroughness of moisture removal.

as dehydrating as

Focuses on the removal of water specifically, often used in biological contexts.

as severely desiccated

Uses a more technical term for drying, indicating a state of near-total dryness.

just as moisture-robbing

Emphasizes the active removal of moisture, making it seem like an act of deprivation.

no less moisture-sapping

Highlights the gradual depletion of moisture, often applicable to ongoing conditions.

similarly parching

Implies a severe and thirst-inducing dryness, often used for weather or climate.

just as shriveling

Implies a contraction or wrinkling due to loss of moisture, applicable to organic materials.

as arid as

Draws a direct comparison to arid landscapes, suggesting extreme dryness.

equally withering

Suggests a decline or decay due to dryness, often used for plants or vitality.

comparably draining

Shifts the focus to the depletion of resources, not just water, but can be used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

You can use "as drying as" to compare the drying effect of two things, such as "The desert air is "as drying as" a furnace."

What are some alternatives to "as drying as"?

Some alternatives include "as dehydrating as", "as parching as", or "equally desiccating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "as drying as" or "as dry as"?

"As dry as" is more common for general dryness. "As drying as" specifically refers to the effect of drying, emphasizing the process or capability of something to remove moisture. For example, compare “the sand is "as dry as" a bone” versus “the wind is "as drying as" a hot oven”.

When should I use "as drying as" instead of "as dry as"?

Use "as drying as" when you want to emphasize the drying action or drying capability of something rather than simply describing its state of dryness, as ""as dry as"" does.