as filthy as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as filthy as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make a comparison regarding the level of filthiness or dirtiness of something. Example: "The room was as filthy as a pigsty, with dirt and grime covering every surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Why should you care whether the place was as filthy as hell?

The New Yorker

We've had a grumpily confrontational litter campaign and new bins and the city is as filthy as ever.

The Guardian

Hume, who is an easygoing man in his mid-forties, was unshaven, and as filthy as a child in a detergent commercial.

The New Yorker

NED (sombrely): It wasn't very beautiful down there today — a miserable, soaking strip of mud, the trees dead, and the bay as filthy as an overgrown sewer.

The New Yorker

It's as filthy as you'd expect and hope for from these two, but it's more mature than Horgan's previous TV masterpiece, Pulling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His face was the colour of a ripe lemon, his clothes as filthy as if he had just climbed out of a tomb.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

St. Asaph described the lyric "I love the way you taste on my lips when we kiss" as "PG-13 at best," and wrote that it is not possible to be "lovelorn" as well as filthy at the same time.

Wikipedia

She was incredible; 76 years old and still as filthy and hilarious as ever.

The Guardian

You may live a lavish life (stars, yachts, red carpets), but you work overtime not to appear as filthy rich as you are.

The New York Times

"The question I'm asking myself is, what do they see in the alley, as filthy and dirty as it is?" he said.

The New York Times

She described the building as filthy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as filthy as", ensure the comparison is vivid and relevant to the context. For example, instead of saying "as filthy as something", specify what makes the comparison apt, such as "as filthy as a garbage dump".

Common error

Avoid using "as filthy as" in formal contexts where a more neutral term like "as dirty as" or "as unclean as" would be more appropriate, preventing unintended offense or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as filthy as" functions as a comparative expression, used to describe something by equating its level of filthiness to that of another object or situation. Ludwig confirms its validity through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as filthy as" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to vividly describe something extremely dirty. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage, its informality means it is better suited for news, media, and informal contexts, with less frequent use in formal or scientific settings. Consider the intensity of the comparison when choosing this phrase. Related options include "as dirty as" or "as unclean as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as dirty as

Replaces 'filthy' with a more common synonym, lessening the intensity slightly.

as unclean as

Similar to 'as dirty as', but emphasizes a lack of cleanliness.

as foul as

Shifts the focus from dirt to a more general sense of unpleasantness.

as polluted as

Specifically refers to contamination, often in an environmental context.

as contaminated as

Highlights the presence of unwanted or harmful substances.

as grimy as

Emphasizes a layer of ingrained dirt or soot.

as sullied as

Suggests moral impurity or tarnished reputation, rather than literal dirt.

as tainted as

Implies corruption or something spoiled and no longer pure.

as unhygienic as

Focuses on the lack of sanitary conditions.

as morally corrupt as

Extends the concept of filthiness to ethical or behavioral depravity.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "as dirty as", "as unclean as", or "as foul as" depending on the context.

Is "as filthy as" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as filthy as" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard comparative structure of "as [adjective] as".

When is it appropriate to use "as filthy as" in writing?

Use "as filthy as" when you want to emphasize an extreme level of dirtiness or impurity. It is suitable for informal contexts but should be used cautiously in formal or professional settings.

What is the difference between "as filthy as" and "as dirty as"?

While both phrases describe a lack of cleanliness, "as filthy as" implies a greater degree of uncleanliness and may carry a stronger negative connotation compared to "as dirty as".