as dumb as

USAGE SUMMARY

"as dumb as" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to compare two people or things in an informal, colloquial way, implying that one of them is not very smart. For example: "His answer was as dumb as a box of rocks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As dumb as they get.

The New York Times

Yes, it's as dumb as it sounds.

The New York Times

Cancer treatment as dumb as being bled.

The Guardian - Music

It was as dumb as that.

The Guardian

We're not as dumb as that".

The Guardian - Sport

The voters may not be as dumb as you think.

University of California, Berkeley

Whatcha gonna do wit a guy as dumb as dat?

The New Yorker

"The kid is not as dumb as you think".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Someone as dumb as me should be able to use technology," he says.

The Economist

(An ex sniffily describes him as "dumb as a box of hair").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"You're not as dumb as you look," Ali murmurs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as dumb as", consider your audience; the phrase is informal and may not be suitable for all contexts. For a more formal tone, opt for alternatives like "unintelligent" or "lacking intelligence".

Common error

Avoid using "as dumb as" in formal or professional writing. The phrase is colloquial and can undermine your credibility. Choose more precise and professional language to convey a lack of intelligence or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as dumb as" functions as a simile, comparing the intelligence of one subject to something considered unintelligent. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this comparative usage. The comparative degree expresses a quality in order to describe the first subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as dumb as" is a grammatically sound and very common simile used for informal comparisons indicating a lack of intelligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable for use, though its informality warrants careful consideration of the intended audience. While its use is prevalent in News & Media and academic contexts, it is less common in formal business settings. For more professional environments, synonyms like "unintelligent" or "lacking intelligence" provide more appropriate alternatives. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and select language that aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not the sharpest tool in the shed

Idiomatic expression implying someone isn't very smart.

not very bright

Focuses on lack of intelligence rather than a comparative simile.

lacking intelligence

More formal way of expressing a lack of smarts.

brainless

Implies a complete lack of thought or intelligence.

foolish

Emphasizes a lack of good judgment or common sense.

dense

A concise, informal adjective to describe someone unintelligent.

unintelligent

A direct, formal term for lacking intelligence.

empty-headed

Suggests a lack of serious thought or intelligence.

slow-witted

Describes someone who takes a long time to understand things.

witless

A more literary or old-fashioned term for lacking wit or intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "as dumb as" to compare someone or something to another entity known for its lack of intelligence. For example, "He's "as dumb as a post"" or "That idea is "as dumb as it" sounds."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as dumb as"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "not very bright", "lacking intelligence", or "foolish".

Is it correct to say "as dumb as"?

Yes, "as dumb as" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. However, consider your audience and the formality of the situation as it's considered informal. It is suitable for colloquial and informal contexts.

What does "as dumb as a box of rocks" mean?

"As dumb as a box of rocks" is an idiom that means someone is extremely stupid or unintelligent. It's similar to saying someone is "not the sharpest tool in the shed".