as fierce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as fierce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the intensity or strength of something to another, often in a figurative sense. Example: "She fought back as fierce as a lioness protecting her cubs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Herodotus describes them as fierce, seafaring warriors.

Independent

Nor was it as fierce.

The New York Times - Science

His competition is nearly as fierce.

The New Yorker

But none as fierce as Abe Pollin.

The New York Times

Hurricane Sandy was every bit as fierce as predicted.

The New York Times

The pushback is likely to be just as fierce.

The New York Times

What about a writer as fierce as Winterson?

The Guardian - Books

Now, the animosity seems as fierce as ever.

The Washington Post

(Few of us are as fierce as the gentle Keats).

The New Yorker

I used to think of them as fierce and old.

The Guardian - Books

The cast of seven, Mr. Abraham included, was as fierce as the choreography.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as fierce" to compare the intensity of two subjects, ensuring the comparison is clear and relevant to your writing. For instance, "The debate was as fierce as the battle itself."

Common error

Avoid using "as fierce" when you simply want to describe something as intense or strong. Instead, use it to draw a direct comparison. For example, it's better to say "The storm was fierce" than "The storm was as fierce" without a point of comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as fierce" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to equate the degree of intensity or strength between two subjects. As Ludwig AI shows, it often appears in contexts where a comparison is being drawn between abstract concepts like determination, competition, or battles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as fierce" is a versatile and commonly used comparative adjective phrase, primarily functioning to equate the intensity or strength between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in contexts such as news articles, books, and general writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication settings. When using "as fierce", it's best practice to ensure a clear comparison is drawn, avoiding its misuse in non-comparative contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "equally intense" or "just as aggressive", which offer similar nuances while varying the wording. The high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources underscore its validity and reliability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally intense

Replaces "fierce" with "intense", focusing on the strength of feeling or action.

every bit as powerful

Replaces "fierce" with "powerful", focusing on the capacity to exert influence or force.

just as aggressive

Substitutes "fierce" with "aggressive", emphasizing a proactive and forceful approach.

as brutally competitive

Emphasizes the ruthlessness and intensity of the competition, using "brutally" to amplify the effect.

no less vehement

Uses "vehement" instead of "fierce", highlighting the intensity of expression or opinion.

just as passionate

Substitutes "fierce" with "passionate", emphasizing strong emotions.

no less formidable

Replaces "fierce" with "formidable", emphasizing the quality of inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, or intense.

as intensely competitive

Adds the context of competition, implying a strong desire to win.

no less determined

Uses "determined" instead of "fierce", highlighting resolve and commitment.

equally unwavering

Highlights steadfastness and lack of hesitation, similar to the unyielding nature of "fierce".

FAQs

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

Use "as fierce" to compare the intensity or strength of something to something else. For instance, "Her determination was "as fierce as" a lioness protecting her cubs".

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

Alternatives to "as fierce" include "equally intense", "just as aggressive", or "no less vehement", each offering slightly different nuances of meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as fierce as"?

Yes, "as fierce as" is a grammatically correct construction used to make comparisons. It follows the standard 'as [adjective] as' structure.

What's the difference between saying "fierce" and "as fierce as"?

Saying "fierce" simply describes something as intense or strong. Using "as fierce as" draws a direct comparison, indicating that something is equally intense or strong as something else.