as elusive as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as elusive as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to find, catch, or understand, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The truth can be as elusive as a shadow in the dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As elusive as ever.

The Economist

That rhyme proves as elusive as ever.

Independent

But victory proved as elusive as Gilliam.

The New York Times - Sports

JEFFERSON'S motives are as elusive as Burr's.

The New York Times - Books

Yet peace is as elusive as ever.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, reservations remain as elusive as they did at Columbia.

Columbia University

And dark matter remains as elusive as ever.

The Guardian

He is as elusive as a wide receiver.

The New York Times - Sports

But Marnie is as elusive as a shadow.

The Guardian - Film

Male singing stars are as elusive as four-leaf clovers.

The New York Times

Duse herself was almost as elusive as her craft.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as elusive as", ensure the comparison is vivid and relatable to enhance the impact on the reader. For example, "the solution was as elusive as a mirage in the desert".

Common error

Avoid using overly common comparisons like "as elusive as a shadow" repeatedly. Opt for fresh and original analogies to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as elusive as" functions as a comparative construction used to emphasize the difficulty in finding, catching, or understanding something. It sets up a comparison to another entity known for its elusiveness. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as elusive as" is a versatile comparative construction used to highlight the difficulty of finding, catching, or understanding something. As deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of evasiveness and challenge, finding frequent use in news, media, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, remember to use vivid and relatable comparisons to maximize impact. The related phrases offer diverse alternatives to express similar meanings, each with subtle nuances. Steer clear of overused comparisons to maintain originality and make the text more engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as hard to pin down as

This alternative focuses on the difficulty of defining or capturing something, shifting the emphasis from avoidance to definition.

as difficult to grasp as

This alternative emphasizes the challenge of understanding something, highlighting the cognitive aspect of elusiveness.

as unattainable as

This emphasizes the impossibility of reaching or achieving something, focusing on the lack of accessibility.

as unreachable as

Similar to "unattainable", this alternative stresses the impossibility of making contact or achieving proximity.

as difficult to find as

This directly addresses the challenge of locating something, emphasizing the search aspect of elusiveness.

as hard to come by as

Focuses on the rarity and difficulty of obtaining something, highlighting scarcity.

as impalpable as

Emphasizes the lack of physical substance, describing something intangible and hard to grasp.

as fugitive as

Focuses on the fleeting nature of something, emphasizing its tendency to disappear quickly.

as intangible as

Similar to "impalpable", this alternative highlights the lack of physical presence and tangibility.

as evanescent as

This stresses the short-lived nature of something, emphasizing its tendency to fade away quickly.

FAQs

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

Use "as elusive as" to describe something difficult to find, catch, or understand. For example, "The truth can be "as elusive as" a shadow in the dark".

What are some alternatives to "as elusive as"?

You can use alternatives like "as hard to pin down as", "as difficult to grasp as", or "as unattainable as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "elusive like" instead of "as elusive as"?

While "elusive" can be used as an adjective on its own, "as elusive as" provides a stronger comparative effect. "Elusive like" is less common and can sound awkward. It's better to use alternatives like "difficult to define" or "hard to understand".

What makes something "as elusive as" something else?

The comparison in "as elusive as" highlights shared qualities of being hard to find, catch, define, or understand. The effectiveness of the phrase depends on the chosen comparison being relatable and impactful, such as the comparison with a "wild goose chase".