as frail as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as frail as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare someone or something's fragility or weakness to another object or being. Example: "The old man was as frail as a leaf in the wind, struggling to maintain his balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Yet as frail as she looked, there was no lack of vitality in the performances.

The New York Times - Arts

Adele is as frail as a leaf, and she rarely goes out.

The New Yorker

Today, he looks as frail as ever, but his eventful life is now etched on that once beatific face.

The Guardian

At the core of most songs was a banjo and a voice seemingly as frail as those butterfly wings.

The Guardian - Music

He did not appear as frail as he had for his previous court dates, when he used a cane.

The Guardian

Impregnable as a fortress, sometimes, and as frail as a swooning maiden at other times, the place knew no consistency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But MPS is frail as well as elderly.

The Economist

That may be premature, but Mr Yeltsin certainly looks as frail politically as he does physically.

The Economist

Marguerite (Violetta in Verdi) might seem as frail and fragile as Giselle.

The New York Times

They are facing a 2-0 deficit, looking as frail and vulnerable as they ever have in the Paul Pierce-Kevin Garnett era.

The New York Times - Sports

But those memories are as frail and fleeting as chalk, not as lasting as street names, bronze statues, the Henry Hudson Bridge building, or the Frick mansion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as frail as" to emphasize a subject's delicate condition, comparing them to something known for its fragility. For example, "as frail as a newborn bird" or "as frail as antique lace".

Common error

Avoid using "as frail as" in contexts where 'delicate' or 'vulnerable' are more appropriate. "Frail" specifically implies a physical weakness or diminishing health, not just any kind of sensitivity or vulnerability. Always consider the physical state you intend to describe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as frail as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by emphasizing its delicate or weak condition, drawing a comparison to something else known for its fragility. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, such as describing a person's physical state or the condition of an object.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as frail as" is a comparative phrase used to describe a state of weakness or delicacy. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its usage across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific papers. The phrase aims to create a vivid image of vulnerability, often prompting a sense of care or concern. Although not exceedingly common, "as frail as" finds a comfortable place in neutral registers, providing a relatable and effective way to emphasize fragility. Alternatives such as "as feeble as" or "as delicate as" offer slight shifts in meaning, enabling writers to fine-tune their descriptions. It's crucial, however, to avoid misapplication by ensuring the context genuinely aligns with physical weakness or diminishing health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as feeble as

Replaces "frail" with "feeble", emphasizing a lack of physical strength.

as delicate as

Substitutes "frail" with "delicate", highlighting fragility and susceptibility to damage.

as weak as

Replaces "frail" with "weak", focusing on a lack of power or resistance.

as vulnerable as

Changes "frail" to "vulnerable", emphasizing susceptibility to harm or attack.

as thin as

Implies fragility by referencing the lack of substance or robustness.

as ailing as

Replaces "frail" with "ailing", emphasizing a state of poor health.

as breakable as

Highlights the ease with which something can be broken or damaged.

as flimsy as

Suggests a lack of solidity or strength, implying fragility.

as brittle as

Focuses on the tendency to break easily, emphasizing a lack of flexibility.

as sensitive as

Highlights a high degree of responsiveness or susceptibility, often implying delicacy.

FAQs

What does "as frail as" mean?

The phrase "as frail as" is used to describe someone or something that is weak, delicate, or easily damaged, often due to age or illness. It implies a lack of physical strength or resilience.

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

You can use alternatives like "as feeble as", "as delicate as", or "as weak as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative highlights a slightly different aspect of reduced strength or resilience.

Is it appropriate to use "as frail as" to describe an object?

Yes, "as frail as" can be used to describe an object, particularly one that is easily broken or damaged. For example, you might say "The antique vase was as frail as glass". However, consider whether alternatives like "as brittle as" or "as delicate as" might be more precise.

How does "as frail as" differ from "as vulnerable as"?

"As frail as" specifically implies physical weakness or delicacy, often due to age or health. "As vulnerable as" refers to susceptibility to emotional, physical, or other kinds of harm. While someone "as frail as" might also be vulnerable, the phrases emphasize different aspects of their condition.