as earnestly as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as earnestly as" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare two actions or behaviors that are done with a high level of seriousness or sincerity. Example: "He studied as earnestly as he could, determined to ace the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Not a problem, Kemsley promises as earnestly as he can.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were swinging it as earnestly as they could.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's hard to take Thrice nearly as earnestly as it takes itself.

The New York Times

He and I had too much irony to take our lives as earnestly as Hana took hers.

The New Yorker

He presents himself as earnestly as if he were in the business of writing constitutions for new foreign governments.

The New York Times - Sports

You write that Laura and her husband had "too much irony to take [their] lives as earnestly as Hana took hers".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

One of them, though, though he paused as often as his fellows and squinted as earnestly at the athlete, was drawing a four-motored bomber.

The New Yorker

He went on, "I believe in addressing as earnestly, and as modestly, and as forthrightly as possible, somebody whom I cannot see, whom I do not know".

The New Yorker

Taking Paul's ideas on monetary policy seriously is as difficult as earnestly considering the stilted arguments against global warming and evolution.

The New Yorker

Magazine articles have described the artist's efforts, sometimes a bit dismissively, as "earnestly naïve" or as directing "her distrust toward her own community".

The New York Times - Arts

In the year or so since he was killed, the citizens of Cincinnati have grappled painfully and earnestly, as well as clumsily and rancorously, with the import and consequences of Thomas's life and death.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as earnestly as" to draw a comparison between two actions or states, emphasizing the equal level of dedication or sincerity involved. This helps to create a balanced and impactful statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as earnestly as" when there isn't a clear comparison being made. Ensure that there are two distinct subjects or actions being compared to maintain clarity and avoid awkward phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as earnestly as" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the degree to which an action is performed with sincerity and dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and offers context for its use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

HuffPost

2%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as earnestly as" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to emphasize the sincerity and dedication with which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, indicating its common use in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts. While less common than other comparison phrases, it serves as a powerful tool for conveying depth of feeling or commitment. When writing, ensure a clear comparison is being made to avoid misusing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with as much dedication as

Replaces "earnestly" with "dedication" to focus on commitment.

as sincerely as

Substitutes "earnestly" with "sincerely", highlighting genuineness.

as diligently as

Replaces "earnestly" with "diligently", emphasizing effort and perseverance.

to the same degree of seriousness as

Offers a more formal and elaborate way to express a similar level of commitment.

with comparable zeal to

Replaces "earnestly" with "zeal", suggesting passionate enthusiasm.

in as dedicated a manner as

Uses a more descriptive noun phrase to convey the same meaning.

with as much fervor as

Emphasizes intense and passionate feeling.

as resolutely as

Highlights a firm determination and unwavering purpose.

as conscientiously as

Focuses on thoroughness and carefulness.

as passionately as

Replaces "earnestly" with "passionately", emphasizing strong emotion.

FAQs

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

Use "as earnestly as" to compare two actions or feelings. For example, "He apologized "as earnestly as" he could, hoping for forgiveness."

What can I say instead of "as earnestly as"?

You can use alternatives like "with as much dedication as", "as sincerely as", or "as diligently as" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "as earnestly as" or "as earnest as"?

"As earnestly as" is correct when you're comparing two actions or states, whereas "as earnest as" is grammatically incorrect. "Earnestly" is the adverbial form modifying the verb, which is required for comparisons of actions.

What's the difference between "as earnestly as" and "as sincerely as"?

While both phrases express a high degree of commitment, "as earnestly as" emphasizes the effort and seriousness, while "as sincerely as" highlights the genuineness and truthfulness of the action.