as evil as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as evil as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make comparisons, typically to describe someone or something that is perceived to be very wicked or malevolent in relation to another entity. Example: "In the story, the villain was portrayed as evil as the darkest forces in the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or as evil as retention bonuses?

The New York Times

The likely explanation is that free radicals aren't as evil as advertised.

The New York Times

It made me think of mercury as evil, as a destroyer of metals.

The New Yorker

On traveling to troubled states: They're never as evil as they're made out to be.

The New York Times - Travel

"The evil empire is not as evil as people think we are," Mr. Fink said.

The New York Times

Similarly, it is easy for us to dismiss the Nazis as evil, as they surely were.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Armenians, the denial of their Holocaust is as evil as it would be if Europe denied the Jewish Holocaust.

Independent

"He was as evil as Hitler or Stalin, and did as much damage to mankind as they did," Chang says.

The Guardian - Books

Carrie never hesitated to tell her son that he resembled his father — "that devil" — and that he was as "evil as Jim Hughes".

The New Yorker

But it's in Italian, which means most Americans won't watch it because they think subtitles are as evil as a goblin eating the baby Jesus.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Violence by the left, whether by antifa hooligans or the shooting at a Republican baseball practice, is as evil as violence by the right.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as evil as", ensure that the comparison is clear and that both subjects are well-defined. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as evil as" in contexts where the standard of evil is not clearly established. For example, saying "This policy is as evil as something else" is less effective if the reference point is unclear or subjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as evil as" functions as a comparative construction, specifically an equative simile. It's used to express that two distinct entities possess a similar degree of wickedness or malevolence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as evil as" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to draw comparisons based on wickedness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It frequently appears in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to consider the emotional weight of the term "evil" and adjust usage accordingly. Alternatives like ""as wicked as"" or ""as malevolent as"" may offer a more nuanced expression depending on the context. Be mindful of vague comparisons to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally as evil as

Adds "equally" to emphasize the equal degree of wickedness between the subjects being compared.

just as evil as

Adds "just" to emphasize the fairness or accuracy of the comparison of wickedness.

as wicked as

Replaces "evil" with "wicked", offering a slightly different connotation while maintaining the same comparative structure.

every bit as evil as

Emphasizes the completeness of the comparison, suggesting that the subject is fully as evil as the comparison.

as malevolent as

Substitutes "evil" with "malevolent", providing a more formal and intense expression of wickedness.

as sinister as

Replaces "evil" with "sinister", suggesting a more subtle or ominous form of wickedness.

as nefarious as

Substitutes "evil" with "nefarious", implying an underhanded or illegal form of wickedness.

as diabolical as

Replaces "evil" with "diabolical", suggesting a connection to the devil or demonic forces.

as vile as

Replaces "evil" with "vile", conveying a sense of disgust and moral repulsiveness.

as morally corrupt as

Replaces "evil" with "morally corrupt", providing a more descriptive and academic alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "as evil as" to compare the degree of wickedness between two entities. For example: "The dictator's regime was "as evil as" any in history."

What are some alternatives to saying "as evil as"?

Alternatives include "as wicked as", "as malevolent as", or "as sinister as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as evil as" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as evil as" can be strong and emotionally charged. Consider the context and audience. More formal alternatives like "as morally corrupt as" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "as evil as" and "just as evil as"?

Adding "just" ( "just as evil as" ) emphasizes the accuracy or fairness of the comparison. It suggests that the two entities are equally wicked, without any significant difference in their level of evil.