as fragile as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as fragile as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the delicate nature of something while acknowledging its existence or presence. Example: "The glass sculpture is stunning, but as fragile as it is, it requires careful handling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This new spirit is as fragile as it is welcome, and its toughest test will come in early October, over the economic stimulus package.

The New York Times

While the nation's economy was weak, it was not as fragile as it is today.

The New York Times

It is a brilliance that can be as fragile as it is rare.

The New York Times - Sports

But this project is as fragile as it is vital for the international community, and especially for Israel.

The New York Times

"I really felt this was not the right time, with the economy being as fragile as it is, for us to reinstate a tax on clothing," she said.

The New York Times

But with the mood as fragile as it is, investors may decide to focus more on whatever bad news they may find in an otherwise good profit report.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I would say we're probably not there yet, but it's not nearly as fragile as it was 30 years ago," Mr. Gates said.

The New York Times

"I would say we're probably not there yet, but it's not nearly as fragile as it was 30 years ago," said Mr. Gates.

The New York Times

"Mali today is as fragile as it was before the coup in 2012," said Peter Pham, director of the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington, referring to the military power grab that occurred as a rebellion in the north gained strength.

The Washington Post

Contrary to popular belief, the security and economic and political situation today is as fragile as it was in the early 1990's.

Huffington Post

And for us it's very important, as fragile as it might be, to keep that.' This, inevitably, is when we start sobbing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as fragile as it is" to introduce a contrasting quality, such as beauty or importance, creating a balanced and nuanced statement. For instance, "The ecosystem is as fragile as it is vital, demanding our immediate attention."

Common error

Avoid using "as fragile as it is" as a mere substitute for "fragile". Instead, leverage its comparative structure to highlight a surprising or noteworthy contrast. For example, avoid "The glass is as fragile as it is" and consider "The glass ornament is as fragile as it is beautiful, requiring careful placement."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as fragile as it is" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or concept. It emphasizes the delicate nature of something while often contrasting it with another quality, such as its importance or beauty. Ludwig examples show it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as fragile as it is" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression in English, serving to highlight the delicate or vulnerable nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, often used to emphasize caution or concern. It's particularly frequent in news and media, as well as in formal business and scientific writing. When using this phrase, aim to create a nuanced and balanced statement, highlighting a contrast between fragility and another quality. Avoid overusing it in simple descriptions, and consider alternatives like "as delicate as it is" or "as vulnerable as it is" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as delicate as it is

Replaces "fragile" with a synonym highlighting the fineness and susceptibility to damage.

as vulnerable as it is

Substitutes "fragile" with "vulnerable", focusing on susceptibility to harm or attack.

as precarious as it is

Uses "precarious" instead of "fragile", emphasizing the instability and risk involved.

as unstable as it is

Replaces "fragile" with "unstable", highlighting the lack of firmness or solidity.

as shaky as it is

Substitutes "fragile" with "shaky", suggesting a lack of solid foundation or reliability.

as tenuous as it is

Uses "tenuous" instead of "fragile", emphasizing the thinness or weakness of the connection or situation.

as delicate a situation as it is

Adds "situation" to emphasize the context is delicate not just an object.

as impermanent as it is

Changes the focus to the lack of permanence and potential for change.

as fleeting as it is

Highlights the transient nature of something, emphasizing its brief existence.

as brittle as it is

Focuses on the tendency to break or shatter easily.

FAQs

How can I use "as fragile as it is" in a sentence?

Use "as fragile as it is" to emphasize the delicate nature of something, often in contrast to another quality. For example, "The peace treaty is "as fragile as it is" crucial for regional stability."

What are some alternatives to "as fragile as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "as delicate as it is", "as vulnerable as it is", or "as precarious as it is" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as fragile as it is" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as fragile as it is" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard English structure for comparative phrases.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "as fragile as it is"?

It's appropriate to use "as fragile as it is" in contexts where you want to emphasize the delicacy or vulnerability of something, often while acknowledging its importance or beauty. It is frequently used in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific writing.